FC MUZA midfielder Given Kalusa says it was a dream come true for him to play for the Zambia senior National team, the Chipolopolo Boys.
Kalusa was handed a first start for the Chipolopolo Boys in the absence of Israeli midfield ace Klings Kangwa who missed the two international friendly matches due to an ankle injury.
Kalusa has vowed to work extra hand both as part of the team and individually going forward as he dreams of winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I was so happy and it was a privilege for me to play for the national team as I was dreaming to play for the national team and it came true. So I was so happy and I’m grateful for it,” he said.
Yeah, I think we hope to work so hard together as a team and I hope to work as well as individuals because this is our talent, so I need to work so hard, we need to work so hard as well as a team. Our hope is to play at the highest level, so we want to win the AFCON, so we are supposed to work as a team,” he added.
Kalusa says it was not hard for him to adapt as he is used to playing at the high level from his club football and was helped by senior players to settle.
“No, it wasn’t so hard to adapt because I’ve been playing at my club and I’m used to it and I like this talent. I like playing football so it’s a privilege for me and I’m happy for it,” he said.
“Yeah, the seniors that we have found for the national team, I think they have been encouraging us, they have been talking to us. So I think I’m happy for them because that’s what they’re supposed to do. It’s to encourage us young ones so that we get used to the culture of the national team and we play our game.”
To the fans Kalusa says he is grateful for the support and has called on his fellow young players to work hard so that they can meet at the National team.
“My message to them is that we are so happy and we are so happy for their support. We are so grateful for the effort that they put in. They just have to trust us. They just have to trust the process. It’s a work in progress so now we know where to work. We’ll deliver next time,” he said.
“It’s possible. As long as you put in more work, you play to God and you play within the reach of the coach, then you are good to go. Everybody is going to be given a chance. So I hope everyone works hard so that we can find each other at this level.”
