Chipolopolo stand-in coach Moses Sichone has described today’s international friendly match against Israel as an important match for the Copper Bullets.
Sichone who will take charge of the team this evening says the team will push for a win as they want to end the year on a good note.
The team will be missing 2012 AFCON winning defender Stophila Sunzu who was knocked out by COVID-19 travel restrictions, Scottish based duo of striker Fashion Sakala Jnr and defender Frankie Chisenga Musonda who are both injured.
Sichone is however confident that the players that are available are equal to the task and will do the job.
“Well I am so glad that the Association has managed to get a Friendly game with Israel. It is a very important game that we are looking to win and we want to end 2022 on a good note,” he said.
“We have to work with the players we have. It’s unfortunate that Fashion and Frankie are injured, Sunzu with COVID-19 travel restrictions, we were looking forward to having him here but I have the trust in the players I have here they will be able to deliver.”
“Of course I was happy with the performance in Mali despite the loss, the players put in a lot of effort, It was just unfortunate we did not get a result. I have emphasized that they enjoy the game on Thursday and try to deliver a positive result,” he added.
This will be the first match since the unfortunate news of Enock Mwepu’s unexpected early retirement due to a hereditary heart condition was confirmed and Sichone wants his players to get a positive result for their captain and the nation at large.
With the process to select the new Chipolopolo Boys coach ongoing, Sichone is not moved as he is solemnly focused on working with the team.
“It’s very sad the situation of Mwepu and I have emphasized that they think about him because he is our captain, I hope they carry that message on the pitch by getting a win. We can give him some energy by performing well. It’s also a message for the players to know why they are here and what they are doing here,” he said.
“For me, I am here and enjoying the time with the team. Whatever will happen will happen. Am quite excited to see what the Boys are doing in training.”
“It will be good for us to have a few more friendly games before March,” he added.
The match will kick off at 20H00 CAT at the Hamosheva Stadium and is expected to be live on Supersport.
The match is being used as part of preparations for the back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Lesotho in March next year.
