Former Chelsea FC manager and current Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has urged Zambian striker Patson Daka, who saw two transfer moves from Leicester City to AFC Bournemouth and AC Millan fall through on deadline day, to score goals for his country during the international break.
Daka has yet to play a competitive match for Leicester City this season, as he appears to be shied away by the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who stated that the Zambian was not playing “because it’s my decision.”
The 24-year-old, who has 15 goals in 74 appearances for the Foxes, has arrived in Lusaka for international camp, with Grant describing him as a “special character” in the national team.
“Normally, to be honest, I will tell you that I am concerned [about Patson Daka not playing for his club],” Grant told reporters in Lusaka at the Heroes National Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Despite not playing a single competitive match for his club this season, Grant feels Daka is a vital player and will perform well for his team in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as he did in the previous outing.
“But as far as I know, Patson Daka, even in the last game, didn’t play for his club, but when he played for us, he did fantastic, so he is a special character.”
Grant on whether Daka should move or stay at Leicester City
On his advice to the 2017 CAF African Young Player of the Year Award winner, Grant said, “I prefer that he plays; I will prefer that he moves to another club, but it didn’t happen.”
“If he plays like he did last time [for the national team], I am sure he will play for his club because he is a natural scorer.”
Daka is expected to lead Zambia’s attack this Saturday against Comoros when they clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
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The Chipolopolo Boys, who have already qualified for the tournament in Ivory Coast next year, will look to round off their qualification campaign with a win away from home.
