South Africa-based winger Augustine Mulenga is optimistic the Zambia national team will do well at this month’s COSAFA Cup tournament.
The Amazulu forward who was absent in the international friendly matches against Sudan, Senegal, and Benin, is among the foreign-based contingent currently in camp training with the rest of the team.
Mulenga who is looking forward to the first game of the 20th edition of the COSAFA tournament says the team is ready to defend the cup.
“We had a friendly today (Wednesday), I think the team looks ready, and as the cosafa defending champions, when every player is going with the mindset of defending the trophy, then we are well and good, am sure we are going to do well,” he said.
“I think the coach chose whoever he thought is the right person for the tournament.”
It is the first time to be called for national duty for some players like Jimmy Mukeya, Mulenga says this is the time to shine and impress.
“This is the first time for some of the guys and they just have to use this opportunity to impress the coach and everyone else,” he said.
Mulenga said the tournament will enable the team to be fully prepared for the World Cup qualifier, despite not having the likes of mwepu, Daka, Sakala among others, he is certain that this will be a good opportunity for the new players to blend in with the old.
“Even if the tournament is played in Congo, Malawi, or any other country, the pitch is the same and my job is to play football, so everything is okay with me.”
Chipolopolo is the COSAFA Cup defending champion, and their first match is scheduled for 7th July against Comoros.
I think thanks great looking forward to men coach Micho that has called for this tournament, well has a Zambian fan, I wish good lucky for your title defense guys give it all “up Zed”
Guys let’s play for the late founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Let’s have the hearts of KK11.