SPORTS Minister Chishimba Kambwili has hailed the Chipolopolo for their resounding 4-0 victory against the Likwena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Group D qualifier played at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola yesterday.
The visibly elated Kambwili said the Chipolopolo’s victory was well deserved and further urged the team to remain focused ahead of the next World Cup encounter against Sudan at the same venue.
Addressing the victorious squad in the dressing room shortly after the game, Kambwili also called on the team to remember God in everything they do adding that the win was a culmination of the prayer service that was held on Friday ahead of the game at Bethel in Ndola.
The Minister said the positive result would create a friendly mood in the country adding that Zambians were confident the Chipolopolo would qualify for the World Cup for the first time the country’s history.
“There is nothing more important than living Christ like and believing in God, you have played so well because you are the cream of Zambian football. On behalf of the President (Michael Sata) and the nation, I would like to thank you most sincerely for making Zambia proud.
And when people say we should change players, we don’t need to change players. You are the best and I can rest assure you that from this day to the next game the mood in the country will just be that of friendliness and happiness,” he said.
Kambwili added that he was happy that players had now realised how important it was to play for their country and produce positive results.
And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya said the result was an indication of how prepared the team was in the build up to the game.
Bwalya paid tribute to Coach Herve Renard and the technical bench for their hard work and focus to guide the team to Brazil next year.
“We know that coming into the game situation was that it was a must win and the boys came in and delivered a win for the country. We know the potential of this team; we are former African Champions not by mistake but through hard work.
I am very much delighted because everyone who played in this game gave out a 100 per cent performance and that was very important for us,” he said.
Yes, correct. But I think we still need Sunzu back because Mtonga was always being beaten to aerial balls. Nevertheless, he did well. S far not bad.
He needs to go into camp with #Team Chipolopolo. The size of that neck is pointing to Coronary Heart Disease!!
Mmmm, Kambwili, from calling the team performance in Maseru “Rubbish” to “total elation” now!
I think as Zambians we need to support our team both in defeat (Not Maseru) and in triumph. Football is a game of wins, looses, and draws. And we should always prepare ourselves for one of the three outcomes. But, like always, Zambians are an impatient bunch. We are so quick to tear each other down!
Let us NOT be such bad losers—Bwana Kambwili, your comments after the 1-1 draw in Maseru were very hurtful and demoralizing to both the players and the coaching bench. Next time please choose your words carefully even in your anguish.
Well done Chipolopolo. Next, we wait to take Sudan’s scalp and then shoot down Ghana (black Star) and bring them down to earth for the last time!
“Your comment is awaiting moderation”, for what ba LT???? This is so annoying!!!!
The dude in the middle, why is he flashing pf sign. These useless cadres awe Mwandi.
Who cares about this kambwili retard shut the hell up wynter will sort you out
renard should stick to same team that played Lesotho in yesterdays match.
This dude is just a glory hunter…if the boys suffer defeat he insults them senselessly like an uneducated fool….Lusaka Times naiwe ubikeko amano nokutufutila ama comments waumfwa…waya sana!
Too early to comment,I will only comment after the result against Ghana in Kumasi
! Long overdue result though
Congratulations to Zambia Go chipolopolo. but what has prayer got to do with winning this game guys God is not patial are you saying that he only listens to the prayers of some and not the Lesotho guys I’m sure they prayed to him too but lost. Think about it they are all his KIDs