Zambia coach George Lwandamina has given his 100 per cent backing to striker Patson Daka after the prospect misfired in Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup qualifier against Guinea Bissau.
The Zambia junior international was a surprise starter in the 0-0 draw in which he failed to aim a single shot on target in the 68 minutes he was on the pitch before he was replaced by Fwayo Tembo.
Lwandamina insisted that pint-size Daka enjoyed a physical presence against Bissau’s clearly bigger and imposing defenders.
“He is a striker and he has done well at youth level and all what we need is to encourage the boy,” Lwandamina said.
“He has all what it takes to be a good striker.
Daka has yet to score for his club Nchanga Rangers this season but has one goal from the 2015 CAF U17 Cup in February.
“If you saw, they were huge at the back and he happened to be the only one who had the height so thats why we had to play the ball to him,” Lwandamina said.
“I know you may refer to other strikers that we had at our disposal, they are coming from injuries and have not played competitive game. So he is the only one who is playing actively.”
Lwandamina had unused substitute Ronald Kampamba on his bench who has been a regular at Egyptian club Wadi Degla.
Emmanuel Mayuka who has just returned from a six month injury was not picked for the final 18 despite making his return to competitive action as a second half substitute in the June 8 friendly against Ethiopia that Zambia won 1-0 in Honour Janza’s final match.
George, the less you talk the better for you. From your comments your seem to betray failure to analyse games and by extension players. The boy represents the future and not neccessarily the present national team. Invite him and keep bringing him on just so that he acquires experience along the way but try to go for experince. Kampamba would have been a better option.
In the last game, though, the midfield is where we clearly lacked creativity.Playing two defense minded midfielders was down right wrong.We needed and still need, going forward, a creative player with incisive and defense splitting passes. Chisamba would fit the expectations but then he likes show booting and playing to the gallery.
The Namibia game presents an opportunity for you to prove your competencies. Wish you…
How does the short Argentine Messi play against any defender in the world despite their sizes? Your player was just below par. Never shot at goal through out the entire game as a striker sure. He has never scored even at club level? I doubt if he scores in training. Lwandamina must be replaced quickly with great Galu.
George is burying his head in the sand coz i tell you even a dim wit would have started with another striker olo chi Bornwell would have been better olo either one of the fools Jackson olo Jimmy olo the other one!