Janza targets COSAFA plate

HONOUR Janza is targeting the 2015 COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup plate triumph when the Chipolopolo lock horns with the Flames of Malawi in the losers final at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium this evening.
Janza, whose side produced a classic display to see off Ghana with a convincing 3-0 win, said yesterday that winning the plate would be better than nothing.
He said winning this evening’s plate final would show that the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions still exist.
“They say getting a piece of a cake is better than nothing. It’s not every time that Zambia should be getting cups, of course we need cups but that doesn’t mean if we don’t get something we should feel bad. What is important is to react positively like we did against Ghana,” Janza said.
He said the game against Malawi will not be easy as both teams have studied their style of playing.
Zambia beat Malawi 2-0 in an international friendly match at Nkoloma Stadium early this month with Khondwani Mtonga and Christopher Munthali on target.
But Janza is likely to miss services of the two defenders as they picked up knocks in the Ghana game and all the three scorers in Wednesday’s game.
“It will not he easy to play Malawi for a second time in a month, they have followed us closely and we have followed them but its good for both teams to prepare for upcoming assignments,” he said.
Other key players likely to miss this encounter are injured Justin Zulu, Bornwell Mwape who has developed a fever, Jackson Mwanza is nursing a knock while Aaron Katebe has accumulated two yellow cards.
Nathan Sinkala was yesterday released from camp to attend to a family commitment.
Sinkala will this weekend have a traditional marriage blessing ceremony.
Malawi coach Young Lawrence Chimodzi has vowed to beat the Chipolopolo when the two sides lock horns in today’s match.
Chimodzi said this encounter is an opportunity for the Flames to avenge their defeat early this month.
He said even though he is disappointed to compete in the plate category, this Is of great significance to his side as they prepare for 2017 AFCON qualifiers.

TimesofZambia