Legendary Fred Mwila has challenged the under-23 national team to die a little for the country as they feature at the Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations that starts on November 8.
Mwila who was once on the books of English Premier League Side Aston Villa (1969-1970) highlighted that the team was carrying the hopes of the entire population.
The former Chipolopolo boss said Zambia was privileged to be among the eight top teams on the continent
“They should die a little for Zambia,” The former Chipolopolo star said after watching the team’s friendly match against Young Arrows on Friday at Nkoloma Stadium.
When asked about facing tough teams Mwila said playing with stronger teams on the continent was the best way Zambia could test its strength.
“You want us to play weaker teams? If we play weaker teams, you will say they were weaker teams. We want those so-called strong teams that will give us a good game and we will give them good games. We will contest.”
Mwila also urged the technical bench to exercise high levels of patience and act as a team when the tournament kicks-off in Egypt.
“The technical bench has to be patient, maybe you let in a goal and you panic, no need to panic because you are a team, you have to fight and achieve your goal,” he said.
Zambia who is in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and South Africa will open their campaign against South Africa on November 9th before playing the defending Champions, Nigeria three days later. In the final group match, Zambia will play Ivory Coast on November 15.
The top three teams at the tournament will qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
