Veteran Zambian goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene has sent a message to the goalkeepers ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

Coach Avram Grant has named a 29-man provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier against Ivory Coast on June 17 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Grant has handed Nchanga Rangers shot-stopper Victor Chabu his first call-up while maintaining Power Dynamos’ Lawrence Mulenga and Sekhukhune United F.C.’s Toaster Nsabata.

Chabu was also part of the Under-23 national team that failed to qualify for the Africa Cup tournament following a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Egypt.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with BolaNews, veteran Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene advised the three shot-stoppers not to compete but to work together to help the team succeed.

“We need to have a pool of them,” Mweene said. “You go to the national team to gain experience, not compete. The goalkeeping department must be together, complement each other, and not compete.”

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The Mamelodi Sundowns player and coach has also urged Zambians to rally behind the goalkeepers and all the players called up to the national team.

“Whoever plays for the national team, you support them; don’t be jealous,” Mweene said. He has also noted that “goalkeeping is a very sensitive department,” which needs support from everyone.

“For you to be called to the national team, it means you are the best. Keep working hard and representing the country well,” concluded the 2012 AFCON-winning goalkeeper.