Government has appealed to football fans to give chance to the current Chipolopolo boys’ squad to mature following their early exit at the ongoing 2023 AFCON tournament.
Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu says this is because it was the first time the entire team participated at that level, except for king pin defender and 2012 winning star STOPILLA SUNZU.
And NKANDU has appealed to the Football Association of Zambia -FAZ- to maintain the technical bench as it has potential to qualify the nation to the AFCON 2025 and the World Cup respectively.
He has, however, advised the AVRAM GRANT led technical bench to embark on scouting for players abroad with Zambian roots.
NKANDU says GRANT should further consider infusing more young players in order to beef up the squad to ensure the team not only qualifies but also shines at future tournaments.
He says government is ready to facilitate like it did with the issue of U.S based Zambian defender AIM MABIKA adding that FAZ should ensure that such players are available for national duty.
NKANDU, who spoke to ZNBC’s sports today, has also assured the nation that FAZ patron, President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA will ensure that resources are made available for camping and paying of athletes.