In the aftermath of the 2023 AFCON tournament, the government has urged football fans to be patient and allow the current Chipolopolo squad to mature, following their early departure from the competition. Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu emphasized that this was the team’s first appearance at such a high level, with the exception of seasoned defender Stopilla Sunzu, a key player from the 2012 championship-winning squad.
Minister Nkandu has called upon the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to maintain the current technical bench, citing its potential to guide the nation to AFCON 2025 and the World Cup. Despite the early exit, he expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop the team further.
In his appeal, Nkandu advised the Avram Grant-led technical bench to engage in scouting efforts abroad, focusing on players with Zambian roots. He urged Grant to consider injecting young talents into the squad to strengthen the team for upcoming tournaments. The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, citing the example of facilitating the inclusion of U.S.-based Zambian defender Aim Mabika.
Nkandu emphasized that the government is prepared to provide necessary resources, mirroring the assurance from FAZ patron President Hakainde Hichilema. He affirmed that President Hichilema would ensure the availability of resources for training camps and athlete payments, underlining the administration’s dedication to the development and success of Zambian football.
Lets try Barotseland National Team in World cup qualification.
Isnt this interference ba FIFA: Minister Nkandu has called upon the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to maintain the current technical bench, citing its potential to guide the nation to AFCON 2025 and the World Cup. Despite the early exit, he expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop the team further.
Give them another chance? Are you thinking of disbanding the team?
Fuseke get rid of hh if you ever want to win afcon again like we did under pf
There is a problem with height and physique in our football teams. Look at how the guys were bouncing off the shoulders of the Moroccan players. There are lots of tall, stout players in the north western part of Zambia. There is a skewed distribution in ‘tribal origin’ of our team’s names. No sign of the Nyambes, Hamoongas, Mushalas, Sakuwahas, Chiengis of this world, and other such. Funny enough, there is a ‘Nyambe’ in the Namibian national team, originating from the Lozis in the Caprivi Strip. Maybe he has a son/brother who can play for us? In the Angolan team there was a tall, physically strong player called Luvumbo, who looked very much like a Zambian Luvale/Chokwe/Mbunda. Please Zito Luvumbo come home and play for us.
And we need players who can sing the national anthem. Look at the way the Zaire (DRC) team were singing their hearts out. Even the Nigerian national team were singing loudly.
I agree with the minister 100%. It is not a bad effort, especially that most of our players are young and inexperienced. The technical team is okay and I like the way they were effecting the changes to the team. Lets all support and give them sufficient time to develop these boys. One Zambia one nation. God bless Zambia!
Zambia coach is a Tourist ZOMBIE he does not inspire at all. He sticks to the bench like he is stuck with superglue
I think the fitness level of our team was below par. Did you see how the Congolese dominated us with their runs? Only people like Chris Katongo, Chisamba Lungu, Mayuka or Isaac Chansa could march that fitness level. In future that is an area of improvement please.
Another chance yakuti? We have given them so many chances! You are encouraging a nation of losers
How many chances can one team be given.
What other chance imwe ba Nkandu? Dont speak like you were born today. Since 2012, It has now become a norm for zambia to exit afcon in the first round. This is embarassing mxm. Laziness is costing us . things have to change. That mean the entire FAZ needs cleaning up so we start afresh with serious people such as GREAT KALU or we shall forever remain the laughing stock and the weeping boys of southern african football. Kamanga and is entire team, including cleaners at that building must go. No question about it. Bantu aba sibana ende ku ja ku nkalilila. Their time is up. PERIOD!!!!!
Kamanga must pack and go!
Zambias showing was teleble, outplayed by Congo, reduced to spectatorship in the Tanzania game even before the red card, outplayed in the first half by Morroco, then you will start consoling yourselves that we played well. Played well kwisa? Disband immediately. There is no drawing board any more, it is over scratched now