Chipolopolo Boys captain Stopilla Sunzu is likely to miss this weekend’s AFCON qualifier against Mozambique as the towering defender is yet to link with his international teammates in Maputo, Zambianfootball.co.zm understands.
The Football Association of Zambia, FAZ and French Ligue 2 side Sochaux have been embroiled in a club versus country over the availability of the centre back, and late Wednesday, it was agreed by the parties involved that the Chililabombwe born defender travels so that national team Doctor Joseph Kabungo can check on him.
Dr Joseph Kabungo on Wednesday
“We got a report from Sochaux on Monday that Sunzu sustained an injury on Friday during their game and I also had a chat with him. He has a problem with one of his hamstrings.
They were still looking at him from that end [France] yesterday [Tuesday] and Monday. He had a scan done on him and we have a report from his club,” he said.
Kabungo said despite availing them a medical, Sochaux should release the player so that they can also assess the injury.
“They [Sochaux] are supposed to do the right thing by sending the player. We are not against what the club has done but Sunzu is not just a Sochaux player, he is a Zambia national team player and we all have his interest at heart,” he said.
But the ZamFoot Crew reporters at the team’s hotel hasn’t spotted the defender and it now seems coach Honour Janza will go for the partnership of Nyambe Mulenga and Christopher Munthali in central defence.
There’s still chance that Sunzu might feature against Cape Verde in the home game at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium next Wednesday.