Golden Mashata believes Zambia can overcome a demanding Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group if the Chipolopolo combine hard work with the backing of their supporters.
The Green Buffaloes midfielder is part of George Lwandamina’s 28-man locally based squad preparing for the start of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers next month.
Zambia have been drawn in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi, setting up a challenging route to the finals.
Mashata, however, insists the players are not intimidated by the opposition and says the team’s immediate focus is on following the instructions of the coaching staff.
“In our group, no game is easy, every game is tough. We are taking every game serious,” Mashata said.
“The most important thing is to follow the instructions from the coaches. They have been encouraging us from the first day that we can do it and we believe that we can do it.”
With Zambia preparing with a largely domestic-based group before foreign-based players join the final phase, Mashata says competition for places is already helping to raise standards within the camp.
The midfielder admits earning a call-up is an important milestone for any local player, but says making the final squad will require even greater effort.
“I think it is a motivation. Every Zambian player waits for the call-up. Once your call-up comes, that means you are motivated and you are pushing enough,” he said.
“But enough is not the limit. As a player and as a group, we need to push more.”
Mashata also believes the battle for places can benefit the national team as Lwandamina assesses his options ahead of the qualifiers.
“The competition is very high and it’s one of the cardinal things in the group. We need competition at this early stage of the preparation,” he said.
Zambia will open their Group I campaign away to Algeria on 25 September before facing Togo in Ndola four days later.
For Mashata, however, the players will need more than their own efforts to navigate the qualifying campaign.
He has called on supporters to remain behind the team, insisting the players are determined to reward that faith on the pitch.
“The fans, they should continue believing in us and we will deliver.”
