Newly appointed Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone says he is expecting a tough match against South Africa when the two sides clash in a friendly this Saturday.
Many South Africans, including former players, journalists, and supporters, have expressed their opinion that SAFA ought to have chosen a different opponent than Zambia, who are currently struggling ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Sichone told journalists in Lusaka today that he is aware his team is being underrated.
“We are expecting a tough game against South Africa. And we also want to give them a good friendly game. So we are not just going there to go and play. We’re taking it so seriously, and we also want to win the game because South Africa qualified for the World Cup, and it’s a good test for us,” Sichone said.
“As a technical bench, we are taking this game as if it’s a cup final. We know that they have underrated us. I’ve been reading some comments which are coming from South Africa — they wanted to play Brazil — but for us, we take it as it comes. So we are taking this game very seriously, and we hope to go and get a positive result.”
Sichone also said he understands the amount of pressure that comes with being the Chipolopolo head coach.
“I know this is not a club. I’m representing the entire twenty million people plus. So the only thing I can do is I need support. I know the job that I’m in, so I’m just looking forward to every game that comes until the AFCON.
“Expectations here, I know they are always high. People are looking for results. But one thing we shouldn’t be forgetting is that we’ve been having upside-down situations.
“We will try and do our level best to make sure that the team brings glory to mother Zambia. So the only thing that I expect from all Zambian fans — from the entire nation — is the support,” he said.
Both Zambia and South Africa are preparing for the AFCON, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco. The Chipolopolo are in Group A alongside the hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros.
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