Chipolopolo Boys coach Sven Vandenbroeck has backed his captain Kennedy Mweene ahead of Sunday’s Cameroon 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique.
And the Chipolopolo Boys arrived in Maputo on Friday for the make or break clash.
The legendary goalkeeper received a lot of criticism after his mistake lead to a goal in the 2-1 win home tie against Guinea Bissau at Heroes National Heroes Stadium on match day 3.
Some pundits pointed to the Mamelodi Sundowns’ shot stopper’s lack of game time.
But Vandenbroeck believes it was a general defensive lapse.
“Everyone can make a mistake. I heard rumors that the goal against Guinea Bissau at home was because of lack of game time but for me it was just a bad decision,” the Belgian born trainer said
“It was not only his mistake, the central defender was also at faulty. In that special situation when we conceeded that goal two or three people where at fault and not only him,” added Vandenbroeck.
In 270 minutes played in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the 33 year old is yet to keep a clean sheet and has conceded 5 goals.
Despite coming for harsh criticism, Mweene is adored by the Chipolopolo faithful.
In 2012 he was voted the best goalkeeper on the continent following his superb performance at the Africans Nations Cup.
In the semi finals he saved an Asamoah Gyan penalty and the final, he was Zambia’s hero again in the shootout win over Ivory Coast.
In the last decade Zambia has failed to produce Mweene’s successor.
Second choice goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata was earmarked as the heir to the throne but the Zanaco man had a dip in form last year.
For Sunday’s clash in Maputo, Mweene alongside Sunzu will be looking for his third successive victory while Nathan Sinkala and Lubambo will be on two victories should Zambia triumph.
Hard to blame Mweene, but definitely a nail biting situation Zambia is facing. Zambia has failed to develop talent to replace:
– Kalaba
– Mesuma
– Mweene
So painful that Zanaco holdon to goalkeeper Mangani Banda, he should have been exported.
Very true
Nkani ya lula coz should he make a silly error the walls will comedown on Venda Brook!
Mweene should stick to business mailo not ma fa sho
it will be tough but since my country is my child to care and support, it will be 2-0 in favor of Zambia
The chipolopolo should always use the best players in country.Otherwise,hard lucky