Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant announced a 24-man squad for the Lilongwe four-nation tournament on Monday, with Zambia Under-23 captain Golden Mashata of Green Buffaloes FC among those selected.
The tournament, which will serve as preparation for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. It will be held from March 18 to 26, 2024, and will include hosts Malawi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
Mashata tells BolaNews he is eager to play alongside Patson Daka, whom he draws inspiration from.
“First of all, I thank God for the opportunity that the almighty has given me. I also thank the coach for giving me another chance because this call-up is a big motivation to me,” said the 23-year-old forward.
He continued: “I work hard every day for opportunities like this. I just hope and pray that this is the best time for me.”
Mashata went on to say, “Working with Patson Daka and other veterans is really a good platform for me and I am looking forward to learning a lot from him and the guys who have been there before.”
Despite being named to Grant’s 55-man squad ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Green Buffaloes did not make the final cut for the tournament.
With ten players from the AFCON squad missing, Mashata will be eager to make his senior Chipolopolo debut in Malawi.
He has been impressive for the Buffaloes this season, scoring six goals and assisting six in 22 matches played.
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