JOIN DRIVERN TAXI AS PARTNER DRIVER TODAY!
SOUTH Africa-based Chipolopolo trio of striker Collins Mbesuma, midfielder Mukuka Mulenga and defender Davies Nkausu will miss next Tuesday’s international friendly against Brazil.
Chipolopolo coach Patrice Beaumelle has dropped defenders Kampamba Chintu and Christopher Munthali.
And the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) are still waiting for TP Mazembe to release defender Stopilla Sunzu, midfielders Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala.
Mbesuma, Mukuka and Nkausu who feature for Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, respectively, have been ruled out due to fitness concerns and injuries.
Zambia face 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts Brazil at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing.
Team manager Lusekelo Kamwambi confirmed the unavailability of the trio in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
Kamwambi said Mukuka and Nkausu did not travel due to injuries while Mbesuma has been excused to allow him recover fully from an ankle injury.
Mukuka has been out of action since July 20 when he sustained an ankle injury during the 2013 COSAFA Castle Senior Challenge Cup final against Zimbabwe at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, which Zambia won 2-0.
Nkausu suffered a head injury during last Saturday’s Telkom Knock Out Cup quarter-finals against Ajax Cape Town at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Mbesuma and Mukuka both missed last month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ghana in Kumasi, due to injuries.
And Chipolopolo stand-in coach Beaumelle and six players left for China on Wednesday night.
The players are Joshua Titima, Chongo Kabaso, Bronson Chama, Kondwani Mtonga, Bruce Musakanya and Fwayo Tembo.
South Africa-based goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and defender Joseph Musonda were expected to link up with the team yesterday.
The Europe-based legion of Roger Kola, Emmanuel Mbola, Emmanuel Mayuka, Jacob Mulenga, Chisamba Lungu and William Njobvu will join the team in Beijing so is Noah Chivuta who plies his trade in Thailand.
China-based duo of skipper Christopher Katongo and striker James Chamanga will link up with the team in Beijing.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo manager Lusekelo Kamwambi is in contact with TP Mazembe over the release of Sunzu, Kalaba and Sinkala.
On Wednesday, FIFA warned the Democratic Republic of Congo giants of serious consequences if the club fails to release the three Zambian players.
“I have been in touch with TP Mazembe officials. They are making their internal consultations and promised to get back to me as soon as they can,” Kamwambi said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
He said TP Mazembe has up to today to release the trio so they could join their colleagues, who left for China on Wednesday night.
“I remained behind to wait for the three players. If they are released we will leave tomorrow [today] afternoon and if they don’t it will be FIFA to deal with them,” Kamwambi said.
