Grant‘s squad for Zambia’s back-to-back 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville and Niger on November 17 and 21, respectively, was announced on Wednesday.
However, fans are divided after Musonda and Chaiwa were snubbed for a call-up.
Chivuta, a 2012 Africa Cup-winning midfielder, tells BolaNews in an interview that he believes the coach’s decision is based on his system and game plan.
“The coach has obviously selected the best, depending on the system that he wants to play in the two games,” said Chivuta who is now a backroom staffer at Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC in Thailand
He continued: “They [Musonda and Chaiwa] are doing well, but the question that I would ask is, ‘who was supposed to have been left?’ There are only 25 players for each assignment, and the coach has a system in mind, but do those players fit into his plans? That matters.”
“Chaiwa is still young,” – Chivuta
Chivuta has also said that Chaiwa has a bright future but needs to be given time to develop.
“Chaiwa is still young and playing for a bigger club, but he has not stumped his authority at Young Boys. He is not playing week in and week out because he is still developing and still has time.
“We just have to guide both the fans and the media. Let us help the situation instead of politicising the issue of him being left out while he is playing in the UEFA Champions League. That would go to his head and destroy him before he becomes ready for the national team.”
The former left-footed midfielder, who made 35 international appearances, has urged Musonda and Chaiwa to continue working hard.
“Let’s respect the coach’s decision. For the players that have been left, they just have to keep fighting; their time will come,” advised Chivuta.
READ MORE: Grant’s World Cup qualifiers squad: Frankie left out, Mwila called
Meanwhile, Chivuta has cautioned the Chipolopolo against underestimating their opponents.
“We should avoid underrating the opponents,” he warned. “And when we play away, we also know that we have a point before the match……Because both teams start with a point and then fight for two points from the other. If we can’t win, let us protect our one point,” he concluded.
