By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
FIRST indigenous national team coach, Brightwell Banda has implored the current crop of Chipolopolo players to restore the attractive football that Zambia was always known for on the continent.
Banda said in an interview that the entertainment aspect of football coupled with the lack of athleticism among players has been lacking if compared with the previous national teams.
He, however, said the important thing this weekend would be for the Chipolopolo to beat Mozambique and seek qualification to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Banda said while there was need to restore the attractive football that Zambia was always known for on the continent, the players must remain focused and beat the Mambas in Maputo.
“The entertainment aspect of our football coupled with the lack of athleticism in our players has been lacking when we compare with the previous teams we have had.
However, it is possible for the current technical bench to build the best team in the current players, all that is needed are proper incentives and necessary support for them to carry out the job diligently,” he said.
He has since called on the Chipolopolo to die a little as they face Mozambique in the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Banda, who was the first Zambian to sign a three-year contract at the helm of the Chipolopolo in 1985, said Zambia needed to be at their best as they take on Mozambique.
He said hard work and determination would be important if Zambia was to clinch a spot at the next year’s AFCON tournament.
Banda, however, cautioned against dwelling on the superior head to head record that Zambia holds over their Mozambique counterparts as records were bound to be broken.
“Qualification is what matters at the moment and I think the boys’ focus is to make it to the Africa Cup at all costs. Players must die a little for the country, that’s what it means to a national flag bearer, and it demands one to give in everything to deliver, but I am optimistic that we will qualify,” Banda said.