Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Zambia locals face Elephant test

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Zambia host Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.

The return of Herve Renard, although as coach of the visiting side, threatens to overshadow what is essentially a key trial by the home-based players seeking opportunities in a fading Zambia side.

This will not be the first time that the domestic players have been subjected to this test under Zambia coach Honour Janza.

Janza’s debut saw six locals including a seventh clubless player in Fwayo Tembo start in Zambia’s 3-1 win over Sudan on August 31.

However, Zambia’s win benefited mostly from the creativity and finishing of foreign-based players that included influential midfielder Rainford Kalaba who captained the team to an entertaining win.

There will be no leadership of Kalaba or the finishing of Given Singuluma and Mukuka Mulenga who got a goal each this weekend.

Goalkeeper Daniel Munyau, defender Donashano Malama including his Nkana club mate Christopher Munthali who scored a goal against Sudan and Roderick Kabwe will be among the high profile players expected to start.

Two foreign-based stars are also expected to play with defender Aaron Katebe of FC Platinum in Zimbabwe back after a twenty month exile while TP Mazembe striker Jonas Sakuwaha is hoping to redeem himself after misfiring against Sudan.

Janza is expected to unveil Nchanga Rangers’ promising playmaker Larry Bwalya in Kalaba’s absence.

But it is in attack where all the debate is raging with focus on Nkana striker Ronald Kampamba who has not been flavour of the month for Janza in his five games in charge.

Kampamba benching has been a subject of great debate after the 22-year-old striker scored five goals in Africa for Nkana this season on top of the 12 he has recorded in league and cup action in 2014.

However, fans will be denied a chance to see the qualities of defensive midfielder Richard Kasonde after Janza released him together with his Power Dynamos club mate Alex Ngonga for Sunday’s big Kitwe derby against Nkana at Arthur Davies Stadium.

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