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HONOUR Janza has accepted the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) offer to guide the Chipolopolo to the 2015 COSAFA Senior Challenge that kicks off in South Africa on May 17.
Uncertainty gripped Janza’s future recently when FAZ announced that it was for the idea of employing a more qualified foreign coach to take up the Chipolopolo job which later resulted in a brawl between the two parties.
FAZ, however, tasked Janza with helping Zambia defend the COSAFA Cup Senior title that was won by Zambia in 2013 under the reign of Frenchman Herve Renard.
Janza, who guided the Chipolopolo at the Equatorial Guinea 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, told Cosafa.com that it is an honour for him to lead Zambia in the biggest tournament in the southern Africa region.
He admits they are a side in transition, but such is the strength of Zambian football, they will be among the favourites once again in South Africa.
“It is an honour, especially with the fact that it is our biggest tournament in our region. It is an honour not just for me, but for the Zambian national team to play in such a prestigious event. We will, of course, prepare by giving it all the due respect it deserves,” Janza said.
He said the COSAFA tournament will be of great benefit to the development of the national team as Zambia passes through a transition period.
Janza said even though Zambia is among the favourites to win the championship, competing at the tournament will go beyond defending the title as it will provide a platform to expand the player base.
“It is an opportunity for our local players to show their ability and what they can bring to the national team. We want a large pool of quality players, and I think at this tournament we will see a good mix of experienced players and youngsters who have the opportunity to learn and show they are national team material,” he said.
He said Zambia is in a situation where immediate results may be difficult to come by but that Zambian football is on the right track.
“We have to have the support of the people and some patience, but we have some great young players with plenty of potential, probably 10 youngsters who could be in the national team for the next 10 years. That is exciting,” Janza said.-ZNBC
