Avram Grant has used three goalkeepers since his appointment: Zesco United’s Toasta Nsabanta, Power Dynamos’ Lawrance Mulenga, and, most recently, Green Buffalo’s Francis Mwansa, in the last two friendlies against Uganda and Egypt.
For the World Cup qualifying matches against Congo Brazzaville and Niger, he has summoned Mulenga, Mwansa, and Red Arrows’ Charles Kalumba.
When asked if he has now identified a first-choice goalkeeper, Grant told BolaNews that the department has given him a problem.
“The [goalkeeping department] was a problem; I will not lie to you,” he admitted.”But the last two goalkeepers played well; Lawrence proved himself against Ivory Coast, and Francis was very good in the last two [friendly] games. I don’t know why he is not playing in the league [with his club],” wondered the coach.
Grant not happy with Mwansa being a bench warmer at Green Buffaloes
Grant is disappointed that Green Buffaloes have not been playing Mwansa after making his senior Chipolopolo debut.
“I must tell you, there is something I don’t understand: when we bring someone to the national team, he plays well, then he [goes on] not to play for his team. I have never seen that but it’s the decision of their [club] coaches.
He continued: “I will not tell them what to do but it’s a little bit strange because Francis [Mwansa] was very good against Egypt but since then he has only played one game.”
The coach emphasized that other goalkeepers can still be considered, but they must prove themselves in order to be called.
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With only a day before Zambia hosts Congo Brazzaville at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium in Ndola, it remains to be seen who will wear the number one shirt.
The Chipolopolo Boys will travel to Morocco three days after Friday’s match to face Niger.
