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Lusaka, June 17th , 2013, ZANIS – Fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda has urged the Zambia national soccer team not be discouraged by their draw against Sudan in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier but focus on the September clash against Ghana.
The former head of State believes that with the right attitude and preparations, the Chipolopolo can achieve the seemingly impossible feat of defeating Ghana in front of their fans in Kumasi.
Mr. Banda says this in a statement to ZANIS sports signed by his Deputy Administrative Assistant Kennedy Limwana, in Lusaka today.
A staunch soccer fan of many years, President Banda says despite surrendering the top spot in Group D to 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana, the Herve Renard-coached side should remain positive to eventually prevail over the Black Stars and secure qualification to the last stage of the qualifiers.
“It’s beyond dispute that things look difficult for our national team. After being held to a draw by Sudan last Saturday, Ghana made it worse when, not unexpectedly, they beat Lesotho in Maseru to supplant us from the top position.
“ But this should, by no means, discourage our team,” says President Banda, a former Football Association of Zambia vice-president.
He, however, believes that although the pressure in the September fixture against Ghana would appear to be on Zambia, the hosts would not have it easier either, as they would be playing in front of expectant fans.
This, President Banda adds, might turn things into Zambia’s favour if the Chipolopolo adopt the winning mentality that helped them win the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon which he was privileged to attend.
