Chipolopolo captain Rainford Kalaba, says there will be “no friendship on business” in this evening when Zambia takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening match in Ebebeyin, Equatorial Guinea.
“I play football in the Congo and know a good number of players, some of them are my team mates, but during those 90 minutes my focus will be on Zambia,my Country and I can assure you there will be no friendship… on that pitch. After 90 minutes yes we can talk again” Kalaba told the pre-match press conference at Ebebeyin Stadium last evening.
Asked on whether his new role as captain of the side had increased pressure for him on the pitch, Kalaba said he has skippered the team before and there is nothing strange other that hard work that the position demands.
Kalaba is a professional footballer plying his career with Congolese side TP Mazembe.
And Coach Honor Janza says this evening’s game is not about history and statistics the two Africa football power houses share. He adds that the game is a different “ball game” altogether and can only be won by putting in place a correct and determined approach on the pitch.
“Zambia and Congo DR are neighbours and that makes this evening’s game a local derby of some kind. I must emphasise that in this match history will not matter but hard work and mental strength will be the key to success and we have the players that can deliver” Janza concluded.
Meanwhile Janza says the suspension of Donashano Malama for this evening’s match will not affect his game plan because all along he has known that the Nkana player would be ineligible to play in the first match for Zambia.
“As a bench we are in the know that Malama had accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifying series and the rules are quite clear regarding such a situation” Janza said .The suspension means Malama will be confined to the terraces.
The match kicks off at 18:00 hours Zambian time.
Chipolopolo iyeeeeeee!!!
Thats the way to go ba Mupa, and the coach good statement. In conclusion just like @ Spirit Chipolopolo iyeee….Chipolopolo iyeee
Thats a good one Kalaba.
Only one word for my Congolese brothers “sorry” but Zambia has to just win this one