Chipolopolo defender Mathews Banda says his call up to the National team is a motivation to other youngsters to work hard and get their own call ups.
Banda believes his call up is a sign that youngsters have hope for the National Team. Banda revealed that he was ecstatic to be part of Avram Grant’s Squad currently in Zanzibar ahead of tomorrow’s match against Tanzania.
The former Kafue Celtic player says young players need to be disciplined and learn from senior players both at club and national team level.
“ I am happy to be called, it’s motivating for me as a young player. Even my friends who are not here are also getting motivated to work hard and reach this level also,” he said.
“As young players we need to be disciplined and learn from the senior players we play with.”
Zambia are currently occupying 4th place with 6 points to their name after 6 games while Morocco lead the group with 21 points and have already qualified to the global showpiece.
Tanzania are second with 10 points while Niger sit third with 9 points after playing 6 games.
Banda believes the back to back 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger will be used as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to take place later this year in Morocco.
“This will be the start of preparations for the Africa Cup. It starts from here,” he said.
“To the fans, they just need to support us and we will also do what they want,” he added.
Zambia plays Tanzania on Wednesday in a Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier in Zanzibar at the Amani Stadium.
Zambia will face Tanzania away in Zanzibar on Wednesday, October, 8th before hosting Niger on Sunday, October 12th.
