Chipolopolo on Monday kicked off preliminary preparations for the September, 6 Gabon 2017 Africa Cup qualifier away to Kenya with 19 local players reporting for camp in Lusaka.
Coach George Lwandamina led the team through the paces at Heroes Stadium as the team shapes up for the Group E match against the Harambee Stars.
All the players called to duty have reported with the exception of Power Dynamos’ Christopher Munthali, Patson Daka and Nkana’s Walter Bwalya and Benson Sakala.
The quartet is being waited to join camp.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s other Group E rivals are Congo Brazzaville and Guinea Bissau.
FULL TEAM:
Goalkeepers: Daniel Munyao (Red Arrows), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)
Defenders: Christopher Munthali(Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Kayawe Kapota, Donashano Malama (both Nkana)
Midfielders: Buchizya Mfune, Jackson Chirwa (both Green Buffaloes), Kelvin Mubanga, Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors), Paul Katema, Bruce Musakanya, Shadreck Malambo (all Red Arrows), Jacob Ngulube (Mufulira Wanderers)
Strikers: Jimmy Ndhlovu, Walter Bwalya (both Nkana), Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Jackson Mwanza, Winston Kalengo (both Zesco) and Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes)
Some of the players called are simply not good enough for the National Team. If these are the best we have currently then the situation is hopeless. I have deliberately avoided mentioning names of those I feel do not have what it takes to include in the team.
One name name that is missing in the team that I feel should be included in that pacy ZESCO midfielder Cletus.The lad has been a vital piece to ZESCO’ s success this season . He has such deftness going forward and his instict for defence spitting passes could prove important to the national team.