The eight Foreign-based players summoned for the three friendly matches against Malawi, Kenya and South Africa have all arrived in the country with Belgium-based Fashion Sakala as the last to arrive in the country to complete Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic 28 man squad.
Micho has confirmed that Tanzanian based duo of striker Obbie Chirwa and midfielder Clatous Chama have been dropped from the squad until further notice for apparently missing their flights twice on Monday.
” We were expecting two players from Tanzania who were supposed to travel in the morning on Monday and they missed the flight and we were flexible and rescheduled the flights for Monday evening and they missed and now asking to come tomorrow, And when someone comes from Russia 10 000 kilometers away and you are here neighboring us with all due respect based on the pillar of Iron discipline I will not allow that anyone is bigger than the Nation,” he said.
“Therefore with my own unilateral decision supported by this institution, I have decided that I remove from this matches until further notice the gentleman Clatous Chota Chama and Chirwa Obbie, Am very sorry but under my approach of accountability and responsibility, I wish them all the best but there is no player bigger than the team but we can’t allow this especially that we need to redeem the pride if this footballing nation,” he added.
The Serbian gaffer also confirmed that Mwape Musonda has asked to be excused from the Chipolopolo squad because of a great offer he has received from the United Arab Emirates club.
“One player (Mwape Musonda) asked for permission because he received a very unbelievable offer to sign in the United Arab Emirates and he is currently doing medicals,” he said.
Micho has expressed happiness with the commitment of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu despite them not traveling for the matches due to COVID-19 complications at Redbull Salzburg.
“We have had challenges and as you know Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka will not come but we have been in constant contact, I need to commend them for the patriotism shown, they even booked a taxi to travel a long distance to board a plane being ready to represent their nation but it was not meant to be. They are within their mind and souls,” he said.
“Both of them will get video material and believe and pray they be available in November,” he added.
The match against Malawi tomorrow Micho will only use locally-based players while foreign-based players will face Kenya on Friday and South Africa on Sunday.
Zambia will also face South Africa PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Below is the full Chipolopolo squad :
Goalkeepers
Jackson Kakunta
Sebastian Mwange
Lameck Siame
Defenders
Kabaso Chongo
Mwape Tandi
Chiboni Kondwani
Banda Luka
Dominic Chanda
Chilongoshi Zacharia
Benedict Chepeshi
Midfielders
Klings Kangwa
Sakala Benson
Leonard Mulenga
Kelvin Kapumbu
Godfrey Ngwenya
Gozon Mutale
Attacking Midfielders
Chilufya Edward
Lubambo Musonda
Amity Shamende
Bruce Musakanya
Chaniza Zulu
Collins Sikombe
Kelvin Mubanga
Strikers
Evans Kangwa
Fashion Sakala
Gamphani Lungu
Emmanuel Chabula
Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba
When are going another coach in the molude of renard . He managed to assemble a star studded team that went on to win afcon. This team selection is not up to scratch. This is not the best talent we have. We have player scattered all over the world who deserve an opportunity to play for chipolopolo
Can you name these players that are scattered all over the World??? Name the clubs they are playing for as well. I dont know any that are playing abroad that have not been called.
Patson and Mwepu have been excused, so which players are you talking about????
Imwe naimwe learn to wait before criticising
Discipline and commitment is very important in team work and individual success..well done..make them tell us why they missed two flights..
Problem mu Zambia we like talking too much.let’s give chance to coach to do his job
I see a p problem with this new boss these player s he has called no team van fear them.these are all begginers with no trusted experience