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ZAMBIA national team coach Sven Vandenbroek has condemned players and FAZ officials for leaking the list of the Chipolopolo squad which is set to take on Namibia in next month’s 2019 Cameroon Africa cup of nation’s qualifier.
Sven has named a 26-member squad which includes 2012 Africa Cup winners Rainford Kalaba, Stophila Sunzu, Nathan Sinkala, Kabaso Chongo and left back Emmanuel Mbola who is from Israel outfit Happoel Ranana.
Red Bull Salzburg duo of striker Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu have made the cut alongside the Orlando Pirates duo of Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga.
Speaking when unveiling the squad at FAZ Football House yesterday, Vandenbroek expressed disappointment with some FAZ officials and players who leaked the teams list before he could unveil it to the public.
He said that there was need for FAZ Officials, players and the media to maintain discipline for the country to achieve its desired results.
Sven said that the fixture against Namibia was critical hence, the need for Zambia to collect maximum points to stand a better chance of qualifying for the Cameroon AfCON.
“It is a very important game for both teams, it’s a must-win for both of us because we are both at zero points so if we want to qualify we both have to win.
“If we look at the Fifa rankings, we are the favourites because we are better ranked than the other teams in the group but circumstances favour Namibia because they scheduled the game on an artificial field, they have a six-week camp and they play at home, that is why I see a little advantage for them but that does not mean that we will not do everything to win because it will be good for us to bring the three points home,” Sven said.
He added that the 26 players selected to report for camp on Thursday August 30 were chosen on merit and they were willing and determined to perform for Zambia.
“What happened in the past, I cannot judge. There are rumours people are telling me things but I cannot judge so everyone starts from zero, everyone opens the door for the national team. They are all willing to play for the national team and everyone is welcome when they are performing for their clubs.
“I have 26 names on the list and the players are performing for their clubs. On some positions, I have double players and I will judge their fitness levels during camp next week,” the Chipolopolo boss said.
Sven said that he expected to have a full squad on Monday as they were scheduled to play a friendly game with Gabon after taking on Namibia away in Windhoek on September 7. Zambia occupies fourth position in group K of the 2019 AfCON qualifiers after their disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Mozambique.
