Wedson Nyirenda has shown his hand with his debut Zambia list that includes some surprises amongst the usual suspects in a 33-member provisional team called-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B opener against Nigeria on October 9 in Ndola.
For the first time in the post-George Lwandamina era, four Power Dynamos players have been summoned to the national team.
Interesting on the list is the name of left-back Lawrence Chungu who has received his debut Zambia call-up after two convincing seasons in that position at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Wedson has also summoned Chungu’s club mate and defender Billy Mutale despite the jury still out on the young central defender abilities.
There is, however, no place for Green Buffaloes defender Buchizya Mfune nor the Katongo brothers; Felix and Christopher.
But Fwayo Tembo is on the list despite the Power Dynamos midfielders’ self-imposed exile from the Chipolopolo setup.
In-form Power striker Patson Daka, who has scored eight goals over the last two months, has been handed a chance to resuscitate his still very young Zambia career.
But Power’s archrivals Nkana only have one call-up in defender Donaciano Malama and there is no place for midfielder Jacob Ngulube.
Chisamba Lungu of FC Ural in Russia is back so too is Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and striker Collins Mbesuma of Highlands Park who were all absent for Zambia’s final 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier game against Kenya earlier this month.
Striker Lewis Macha, a player reportedly Wedson recommended to Kaizer Chiefs and was recalled to the team by his predecessor for the Kenya match, is in the team after missing that Group E due to an injury he sustained during Zambia’s camp for the match in Ndola.
Nine foreign-based players in all are on the list.
GOALKEEPERS:Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Racha Kola (Zanaco)
DEFENDERS:Lawrence Chungu, Billy Mutale (both Power Dynamos), Fackson Kapumbu, George Chilufya, Ziyo Tembo (all Zanaco), Simon Siliwmba (Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Stopilla Sunzu (Lille, France), Donashano Malama (Nkana)
MIDFIELDERS: Roderick Kabwe, Charles Zulu (Zanaco), Fwayo Tembo (Power Dynamos), Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala (both TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Cletus Chama, John Chingandu, Misheck Chaila, Mwape Mwelwa (all Zesco United), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, Russia)
STRIKERS:Justin Shonga (Nkwazi), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards, Congo-Brazzaville), Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Collins Mbesuma (Highlands Park, South Africa)
Congratulations Ba Coach. Like our late football commentator Mr. Denis Liwewe would say (M.H.S.R.P) Let’s wait and see. As long as that team can produce the results we have no problems. Bola ni ZIGOLI. No jokes about it.
I hope for the best for this team. Go Zed!
Stamp your authority big Wakwitu Dada! Kwiza kucimbila!
Kondwani Mtonga, Davies Nkausu and Christopher katongo were soppose to be part of the team
ni mbili zakale
Not sure how Muntali is doing, but I feel he is more brave and steady. Lets wait and see, but good selection for now, because that’s all we have.
You can have them all on the team.
The Katongo Brothers are still a force in Zambian football, sometimes the presence of guys such as Katongo sends a fear factor in the opponents. Wakwitu rethink about the Katongos brothers remember! The younger Katongo even contributed to the equalizer.
We need them both, they are more aggressive on the ball unlike Kalengo and Sinkala. Jacob Mwanza, my word too weak on the ball when on national duties.
Winston Kalengo has beem inactive infront of the goals>.Should have called James Kamanga
Is this our new coach? When was he appointed?
i agree with you guys,chris and his brother are great players,all in all the inclusion of fwayo is another great move by wada,go chipolopolo all the way.
Zambian by birth, Malawian by nationality, reside in Mzuzu, I respect the Katongos brothers. I concur those to calls for the coach to rethink. Christopher is very aggressive and really send fear factor to the opponents.
We have seen where Drogba is in the camp with the players to add the morale of the team, just their presence. Bring him in just for either 45 minutes or 30 to help the team pick up and the youngsters do the rest. The ones chosen should now stand on their feet, as it were-fight for the game without the big players influence. In this case, play like you are on drugs, run, run, run like a mad man to win this game!
Comment:truely the katongos ar great this team aweh I dnt trust it