A week before Chipolopolo plays its first Africa Cup of Nations match in eight years, former skipper and 2012 AFCON winner and player of the tournament Christopher Katongo has sent his best wishes to the team.
There is probably no better person to inspire the current crop than the man who lifted the trophy for Zambia 12 years ago.
In a video message posted on his Facebook page, Katongo wished the team well and urged them to keep the focus on this national assignment.
Having missed out on the AfCON in the last three editions, excitement is high in Zambia as fans are eager to see the team on the continental stage.
Well, the long wait has entered its final week, with Zambia set to play its first game against its neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“I just want to wish the Zambia national team good luck,” he said. “I wish them good health. May God bless them [to] have the energy to inspire, work hard, and put Zambia on the map.
“I am happy that you also qualified for the Africa Cup; congratulations but the job has just [began] guys I wish you good luck,” Katongo said.
Katongo predicts Player of the Tournament
In a separate Facebook post, the 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year Award winner predicted that Zambia might produce a player of the tournament in Ivory Coast.
“We have powerful, talented, and thirsty players who I see will be TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations players of the tournament from the Copper Bullets.”
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They will face DR Congo in their opening match before meeting Tanzania four days later.
The Chipolopolo will conclude their group stage against Morocco on 24th January.
