Ukraine-based Chipolopolo defender Golden Mafwenta has revealed the competition in the national squad is fierce, with every player keen to impress and make the team.
Mafwenta has been in and out of the team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when he was an unused substitute throughout the tournament in Ivory Coast in January this year.
He cites his lack of playing time under Avram Grant on the squad’s excessive competition.
“Yes, competition is high; everyone is pushing. So I just have to keep pushing so that I can be part of the next AFCON squad,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Mafwenta, who is on loan to FC Metalist from Czech Republic club Vyskov until June 2025, was called up to the national team last month for the first time since January. He appeared in both 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, totaling 23 minutes.
Relationship with Grant
The 23-year-old said that he has a good relationship with coach Avram Grant and doesn’t blame him for his restricted playing time.
“I just have to keep on pushing. I can’t say that it’s the coach or blame anyone; I think it’s just myself.
“My relationship with the coach is just okay because he is more like our father, so you just have to do what he wants. If you are doing what the coach wants, then you are good to go with him. Like, you can have a strong relationship, but if you are not doing what you want, then there will be a problem.”
He added, “He [Avram Grant] is giving everyone the chance to go and show up. So the most important thing is you just have to be open and focused, to do what he wants on the pitch, and everything will fall into place.”
On dream AFCON debut
Mafwenta revealed that he moved to Ukraine to regain his form and aims to make the squad for the 2025 AFCON, having been an unused substitute in the last edition.
“I can’t say that its a must I just have to go in the squad. But first thing, I just have to work hard so that I can be among the guys who will be selected. “I wish to be part of the squad and go there to compete. Its my dream to play at AFCON.”
The former Zanaco FC defender has so far this season made ten appearances in the Ukrainian First League and says he is enjoying his time in that country.
“So far, so good, and it’s really amazing. Like, I’m really enjoying that side. I think everything is now different. I found a lot of good people who helped me to gain confidence and adapt my lifestyle and my performance as well,” he concluded.
Mafweta’s journey to Europe began in 2021, when he moved from Zambia’s Super League club, Zanaco, to Vyskov. The move was a significant step forward in his career, and many tipped him to excel.
However, his time in Vyskov was brief. In 2022, after only one season, he was loaned to the Real Monarchs. The loan move to Real Monarchs was part of his overall development, according to the Chipolopolo defender.
Since moving to Europe three years ago, Mafweta has appeared in 73 games in different competitions, scoring two goals and two assists.
