On Sunday, Avram Grant revealed that three players did not express a desire to play for the Zambia National Team, so he decided to drop them, but one apologized.
His latest selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has elicited mixed reactions, with some fans wondering why Aime Mabika, Kennedy Musonda, and Miguel Chaiwa were left out.
The former Chelsea manager and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finalist with Ghana stated that quality, passion, and a desire to play for the country remain his selection criteria for Chipolopolo players.
“We did not call two players to the national team because they showed a lack of desire to play for the national team. The other players have shown a lot of passion,” he said at a press conference at the football house.
He continued: “It was three players, but one of them spoke with me and showed a big desire to play for the national team. I will not tell you his name but he is one of our best players now.”
“They need to be proud and show a desire to wear the national shirt.” – Grant
Grant, who has only lost one game with the Chipolopolo since his appointment in December last year, has stated that he will not budge from the standard he has set for the national team.
“I will not compromise about this; this is a national team, and they need to be proud to wear the national shirt.
“With the national team, you represent the country, not yourself. When we are winning, everyone is happy. You see, it’s a privilege and a gift that you have to make your people happy. So they need to show the desire to play for the national team.”
Grant has also demanded that the players arrive on time for camp or risk losing their spot on his team.
“There are no conditions, no compromise; you need to come whenever we call you. One of the players preferred to stay at his club on the first day of training instead of coming, so he is not on the national team.”
READ MORE: Avram Grant explains why he snubbed Miguel Chaiwa
Zambia hosts Congo Brazzaville in the first match of their Group E World Cup qualifiers on Friday at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium in Ndola.
Group E also consists of Morocco, Tanzania, and Niger, while Eritrea has withdrawn from the competition citing financial difficulties.
The Chipolopolo enter camp today in Ndola and everyone is expected to arrive in the country before the end of the day tomorrow.
