Great coaches are never afraid of a little chaos. They understand that sometimes, shaking things up is the only way to unlock a team’s true potential. Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant seems to have finally subscribed to that thought this time around.
The biggest highlight from Grant’s press briefing on Monday is the squad selection for the Malawi four-nation tournament.
Zambia will play Malawi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe in Lilongwe between March 18 and 26 to prepare for the June World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Morocco.
Grant will use the tournament to assess his players before the crucial World Cup qualifiers. His selection already gives us an indication of his thinking ahead of the two games.
It may not be far from the truth to speculate that the omitted players have little chance of making the provisional squad for the World Cup games unless their club form improves.
Notables like Fashion Sakala, defender Roderick Kabwe, midfielder Kings Kangwa, and his dependable anchorman Kelvin Kapumbu are out of the Chipolopolo bus.
Others are Edward Chilufya, who recently returned from injury at BK Hacken, Kelvin Kampamba, Thandi Mwape, Golden Mafwenta, Larry Bwalya, and goalkeeper Francis Mwansa.
It is understood that some players, such as Kampamba, have requested to be excused, whereas others have been dropped due to a drop in form.
While some might see the decision to leave out key members of the team as a risky gamble, it’s precisely this kind of fearless decision-making that separates good coaches from great ones.
This bold move by Grant deserves praise, not criticism.
Let’s face it, the Africa Cup of Nations campaign was a disappointment for Zambia. Some of the players excluded from the current squad underperformed on the continental stage. It is not surprising that they have been dropped.
What should players learn from this?
This shake-up in personnel signifies a clear message: a name won’t guarantee a place. It opens the door for fresh legs and hungry players eager to prove themselves. This hunger and determination can be a game-changer in high-pressure qualifiers.
“The players that are in the squad also need to prove themselves. Like I said, the national team is not a closed club; you can go out of the national team and you can also come back,” Grant said on Monday.
Grant’s decision injects a much-needed dose of competition into the squad. Players who might have felt comfortable in their positions will now be pushed to perform at their best, knowing talented replacements are waiting in the wings. This competitive spirit can translate into a more dynamic and motivated team on the pitch.
Ultimately, the move shows a willingness to shake things. There are still some names who should not be in that team but maybe that’s another article on its own. For now, let’s get behind Grant and the team as they resume their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.
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