Green Buffaloes goalkeeper Francis Mwansa has admitted that a lack of game time at his club has caused him not to be part of the Chipolopolo squad participating in the Four Nations tournament in Malawi.

Mwansa, who had been a regular call-up to the national team under Avram Grant, was left out this time and replaced by Red Arrows keeper Charles Kalumba.

The 21-year-old keeper made his Chipolopolo debut in the 2023 Cosafa Championship semi-final against South Africa, which Zambia won 2-1.

Mwansa went on to deliver an outstanding performance in the final, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Lesotho.

However, he has only appeared in five games for Green Buffaloes this season and has kept one clean sheet.

Mwansa believes his lack of playing time at his club has cost him a spot on the national team.

“I don’t have game time at my club, so I think it affected me so much,” he told BolaNews in an interview.

“The three goalkeepers have game time at their clubs, and they are doing very well. As for me, I didn’t have enough game time this season, but I will keep pushing and I wish the guys all the best. I know they will do well at the tournament.”

Mwansa vows to fight for game time

The former Trident FC shot-stopper has promised to come back stronger and return to the national team.

“I will definitely bounce back. I am going to fight for my number and am ready to fight,” Mwansa vowed.

He added that “I will work very hard so that I have game time. I can assure you, I will bounce back strong.”

Zambia is participating in a four-nation tournament being hosted by Malawi, featuring Zimbabwe and Kenya. 

The Chipolopolo boys will face Zimbabwe on Saturday at the Bingu National Stadium with kick-off set for 14hrs CAT.

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