We’re geared for Brazil – Kalu

FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya says the Chipolopolo are geared to give a good account of Zambian football against Brazil on Tuesday in Beijing.
Kalusha described the match against Brazil as the highest profile encounter in Zambia’s soccer history.
Kalusha said this in a statement issued from Beijing yesterday by FAZ communications manager Erick Mwanza.
“I might be wrong but I think this is the highest profile friendly match Zambia has ever played in its entire history,” Kalusha said.
“It  is an honour and privilege to play the record World Cup winners, the current champions of the FIFA Confederations Cup, who are among the favourites to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which they will host.”
He is confident the Christopher Katongo-captained side will account for themselves well against the five-time world champions.
“When I look at the players who are here, I think they will give a good account of themselves and am still hopeful that Sunzu, Sinkala and Kalaba will make it for this game.
“We will follow with intent Brazil’s first game against South Korea this evening so that we know what to expect on Tuesday for our match,” Kalusha said.
Brazil were expected to take on South Korea yesterday in an international friendly at Seoul’s National Stadium.
And Mwanza said Russia-based midfielder Chisamba Lungu and China-based forward James Chamanga have joined camp.
Red Arrows defender Jimmy Chisenga was expected in Beijing yesterday while Kabwe Warriors defender Kampamba Chintu is scheduled to link up with his team-mates today.
The TP Mazembe trio of Stopilla Sunzu, Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala are still at large because the Democratic Republic of Congo side is claiming that the three players are not fit for the match against Brazil.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to China Joe Chilaizya has urged the Chipolopolo to do the country proud when they face Brazil.
“You carry a huge responsibility in the high value match against Brazil on Tuesday, but we believe that you stand a good chance to do something big against one of the world’s best and biggest teams,” Chilaizya told the players and officials at Birds Nest Stadium yesterday.
In a statement released by FAZ communications manager Erick Mwanza, Chilaizya said millions of people around the world, in particular Zambians, were waiting for the match with huge anticipation.
“Welcome to China heroes. You may not realise it but you are our heroes. And on Tuesday, you carry a huge responsibility but you need to know that many are eager to see the game. Many Africans are supporting you and you have massive support from fellow Zambians here,” he said.
He urged the players to aim for an upset.
“You’re in a high value game and commendation goes to the Football Association of Zambia for continuously raising the levels of competition and taking the Chipolopolo to very high levels. I think it’s time for us to do another “Italy” (1988 Zambia 4-0 Italy); but that is not to put pressure on you.
“Believe that you can do it and you have Kalusha here who did magic against Italy to inspire you to do it against Brazil,” Chilaizya said.
He has invited the players to dinner today.
And Kalusha commended Chilaizya for his encouragement.