•THE Chipolopolo squad relax at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday shortly before departure for Angola. Picture by GWEN CHIPASULA

By SANDRA MWILA –
CHIPOLOPOLO goalkeeper Jacob Banda says winning the Four Nations tournament in Angola will motivate the team going into the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Sudan.
Banda, who captains the locally-based Chipolopolo, said this yesterday in an interview at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport before departure for the tournament in Angola scheduled for this weekend.
He said the tournament would be a good practice session as the Chipolopolo prepared for the match against Sudan on November 11 with the return fixture set for four days later at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Zambia will battle it out against hosts Angola, DR Congo and Namibia.
“Our aim is to win the Four Nations tournament as it will help build our confidence going into the Sudan game. It will be a good preparation ahead of the World Cup qualifier because Sudan is a tough team,” said the Zesco United keeper. Banda said Sudan was a stubborn team and that the Four Nations tournament had come at a right time. He said the team would take the tournament seriously and would leave no stone unturned going into the Sudan game.
“The tournament is important and we need to take it seriously and leave no stone unturned ahead of Sudan game. Looking at the teams we will be facing, Congo and Namibia, they are competitive teams and that will help us shape up,” Banda said.  Banda urged his team-mates to be physically and mentally prepared for the tournament.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) committee member Lee Kawanu is the delegation leader of the 24-man squad.
The full squad has goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco) and Danny Munyao (Red Arrows).
Defenders: Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Dauti Musekwa (Zesco United), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors), Kapota Kayawe (Nkana),  Donashano Malama (Nkana), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows).
Midfielders: Clatous Chama (Zesco United), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes),  Mwila Phiri (Green Eagles), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Charles Zulu (Zanaco), Mwape Mwelwa (Zesco United) and Salulani Phiri (Zanaco).
Strikers: Winston Kalengo (Zesco United), Conlyde Luchanga (Lusaka Dynamos), Festus Mbewe (Red Arrows), Moses Phiri (Zanaco)