Zambia National Team coach Avram Grant announced last month that he would change the Chipolopolo captaincy in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“We are starting a new tournament (phase), so one of the things is who will be the captain. I am thinking about this,” Grant said after Zambia participated in the four-nation invitational tournament in Malawi, where they finished third following a penalty shootout loss to Zimbabwe and a 2-1 win over the hosts.
Grant stated that he wants a captain who will set an example for his team moving forward.
“A captain needs to lead by example and for me, that is more important. The captain needs to show all we are talking about: fighting spirit and commitment to the national team ,” he was quoted as saying by FAZ media.
Simba SC Mifdfilder Clatous Chama captained the team in their second match against Malawi after veteran defender Stopilla Sunzu, who skippered the first match against Zimbabwe, left camp.
“I think the players that were captains in this tournament did a good job,” Grant said. “They showed that they can be one of them but we will announce the captain soon.”
Since Enock Mwepu’s early retirement, Lubambo Musonda has been the team’s captain, with Rodrick Kabwe serving as his deputy. However, the two have received a lot of criticism from fans and pundits.
It is unclear whether Grant’s statement implied that the two had not demonstrated a commitment to the national team, which is why he wants to make the changes.
Who will be the next Chipolopolo captain?
Meanwhile, former Chipolopolo defender Elijah Litana joined the conversation in November of last year, claiming that the team lacked leadership.
“We need someone who talks to be the captain,” Litana told BolaNews in an interview. “The captain needs to be vocal, talking to the players and reminding them of what they need to do. When you are a captain, you don’t need to be mute. It doesn’t work like that.”
Patson Daka, Clatous Chama, Fashion Sakala, and Emmanuel Banda could be among those who may be given the armband if the Israeli trainer sticks to his word.
It remains to be seen who the next Chipolopolo captain will be, as Grant is set to announce his squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Morocco and Tanzania.
Zambia will play Morocco in Agadir on June 8, followed by Tanzania three days later at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
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