Zambia Under-20 striker Jonathan Munalula was not part of the traveling part for this month’s Cosafa Under-20 Cup after failure by his club, Forest Rangers to release him.
And Lusaka Dynamos winger Chipyoka Songa replaced Munalula in coach Perry Mutapa’s squad.
“Forest asked for Munalula on Tuesday [Last week] so that he could feature against that Gabonese side,” Zambia Under-20 Team Manager Lombe Chipupu said.
“But to our surprise, they have decided to keep hold of the player.
The team manager went on to highlight the magnitude of the Cosafa U20 tournament as it is also being used as a qualifying round for the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations.
“We are going for a very important assignment. As you might be aware the top two countries will also qualify for AFCON,” Chipupu added.
Chipupu, who also doubles as a Power Dynamos team manager didn’t stop there.
“It was us [under-20] who exposed this boy after he scored 2 goals at the Cosafa last year and that’s how Forest saw the boy.
“And now, Forest has denied the boy an opportunity to represent the country and gain more exposure.
Forest Rangers bought Munalula from Luanshya side Roan United.
The boy from mpatamatu has been modeling his game on Nkana forward Idriss Mbombo.
With Munalula left at home and Francisco Mwepu ineligible, Indeni forward Ricky Banda will be the focal point in the attack
Zambia begins their title defense on Thursday with a clash against neighbors Namibia Thursday.
Zambia will then face Comoros before wrapping it up in a mouth-watering tie against Malawi on December 9.
The top two countries will qualify for the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations.
Zambia won it on home soil in 2017 with the likes of Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, and Enock Mwepu in the squad.
The Zambia Under-17 qualified for the African Cup of Nations last week.
The 2020 Cosafa tournament will be held in Port Elizabeth from December 3-13.
FINAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Patrick Chooma (Kabwe Youth Academy), Iford Mwale (Athletico Lusaka)
(DEFENDERS)
Andrew Phiri (Kafue Celtic), Golden Mafwenta (Buildcon), Peter Chikola (Kafue Celtic), John Chishimba (Zesco United), Mathews Chabala (Nchanga Rangers), Issah Kazembe (Ndola United)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Peter Banda (Shamuel Academy), Golden Yamikani Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos), Muma Mumba (Green Eagles)
(STRIKERS)
Martin Njobvu (Kansanshi Dynamos), Derrick Bulaya (Lusaka Dynamos), Jimmy Mukeya (Malaiti Rangers), Ricky Banda (Indeni FC), Chipyoka Songa (Lusaka Dynamos)
This means young Munalula’s future has been impacted negatively by selfish club officials! When the club officials decide to change jobs and leave Indeni, the same chaps will be honoured with a fair well party with not a thought for the draw back caused to Munalula’s future. He is not even a key player for the club and was not featured in the last caf game. They treat players like personal possessions; their future is of no consequence.
FAZ can still intervene and have Forest release the player. So he goes and joins his colleagues at U20.
It is for the benefit of the lad and for the nation that he features in SA.
Ultimately the experience gained will be for Forest Rangers.
Ba Forest Munalula euka miwinisha against that Gabonese Side you failed to beat at home?
Replace him with Sabobo.