After shining on his national team debut in Zambia’s 3-0 thrashing of Uganda, defender Zephaniah Phiri has received some valuable advice from his club coach, Chris Kaunda.
Phiri was solid at the back and made several crucial interventions to deny Uganda any real threat as Zambia ran home 3–0 winners with a brace from Patson Daka and a goal from Fashion Sakala.
His performance did not go unnoticed by the fans. Some took to social media to praise him and hail him as a future star for Zambia.
However, Phiri’s club coach, Chris Kaunda, has warned the player not to get carried away with the praise.
‘Keep your feet on the ground,” Kaunda said in an interview.
He added that Phiri still has a lot to learn and improve and he should not let his success go to his head.
“He needs to calm down and concentrate. It is just one game; we can’t say he is at the national team [yet].
“He needs to work hard and move those guys who are there,” Kaunda said.
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Kaunda also touched on his team’s 3-2 defeat to Mutondo Stars in the Super League at the weekend.
“It is the first exposure for me; I have seen what we need to do,” he said. “We need two strikers and two defenders.”
Kaunda’s return to management was soured by Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.