Former Chipolopolo striker Given Singuluma is confident that Zambia will qualify to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) should they adequately prepare for the final round qualifier against the Mambas of Mozambique.
CHAN is a continental tournament featuring national teams consisting of players currently playing in their respective local leagues. Zambia last qualified to the 2019 edition.
To qualify to the next edition, Chipolopolo will need to emerge as winners of the two legged encounter against Mozambique. Zambia will be away to Mozambique on December 21 before the return match seven days later.
The CHAN team is led by Wedson Nyirenda, with former U20 coach Beston Chambeshi providing assistance.
Singuluma, a former player turned pundit has told Bolanews in an exclusive interview that the coaches have to prepare the team well.
“My advice to the Zambia national soccer team is they must prepare well, they must plan well, and be ready of course,” he said, “Otherwise the players need to be focused, they must play Mozambique over two legs in expectation rather than hope bearing in mind a place at the CHAN tournament is at stake.”
Mozambique denied Zambia a spot at the 2022 CHAN tournament in Algeria.
Singuluma Hopeful About CHAN Slot.
Because Nyirenda, Zambia’s coach, is too familiar with the Mozambican style, Singuluma claimed that Zambia has an extra edge coming into the match.
“The sub plot to all this is Wedson Nyirenda is in charge and he knows the Mambas style of play, he was coaching in Mozambique not too long ago that’s a plus,” Singuluma said.
Asked on the approach, Singuluma said the team needs to be solid in all areas.
“Tactically in attack we must have a cutting edge, be creative in midfield and solid defensively, this is what will make us win,” he said.
Nyirenda has called a host of first team Chipolopolo players for this encounter.
Some of the notables in the team are defenders Kabaso Chongo and Dominic Chanda, and goalkeepers Lawrence Mulenga, and Charles Kalumba who were part of the Chipolopolo team that secured the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualification recently.
“I expect the technical bench to find the right balance as we approach this CHAN qualifier. “Yes I feel we have a capable squad to deliver and I hope they will rise to the occasion,” Singuluma said.
Singuluma was part of the Zambia team that won bronze at the inaugural CHAN tournament in 2009. His five goals at the tournament earned him the golden boot and a big money move to Congolese giants TP Mazembe.
