Mayuka relishes Renard reunion

And the Chipolopolo, now under the tutelage of Patrice Beaumelle, are expected to leave for China today to begin preparations for next Tuesday’s historic international friendly match against five-time World champions, Brazil.

Reacting to Renard’s departure from the Chipolopolo job, Mayuka said the Frenchman gave him the best footballing moments of his life by lifting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year.

The 2012 AFCON golden boot winner said Renard did a lot for Zambian football and hopes the 45-year old trainer would help improve the fortunes at Sochaux.

Mayuka said it would be something special for him now to be working with Renard on a daily basis at club level.

The former Kabwe Warriors talisman said Sochaux did not start the 2013/14 French Ligue 1 season well and was optimistic that Renard would also succeed at the club, currently lying second from the bottom of the table.

“It’s a special situation for me as I will work with him on a daily basis but not anymore with the Chipolopolo. I hope he manages to help us here at Sochaux because we didn’t start the season very well. I want also to thank him for the work (he did) with our national team. He gave me the best footballing moments in my life with our win at the African Nations Cup 2012 when he took us to the title. So thank you Herve and welcome to Sochaux,” Mayuka posted on his social network facebook fanpage yesterday.

Despite the departure of Renard, Mayuka is relishing the historic October 15 international friendly match against Brazil in Beijing.

Prior to the Zambia friendly, the 2014 World Cup hosts will face South Korea in another friendly set for October 12 in Seoul.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) spokesperson, Erick Mwanza said the 26-man squad was expected to regroup in China to kick-off preparations for the Brazil friendly.

Mwanza said the squad would be led by FAZ president, Kalusha Bwalya and committee member, Happie Munkondya.

He said Beaumelle and his technical staff expected to have a full squad by this weekend.

Zambia will face the 2014 World Cup hosts at the National Stadium, commonly known as the Birds’ Nest.

And Mwanza said FAZ was also looking at having another friendly match for the Chipolopolo on the next FIFA date on November 19.

He said it was now FAZ’s tradition to ensure the Chipolopolo plays a game on every FIFA sanctioned date.

The Zambia squad for Brazil has goalkeepers – Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos);Defenders – Davies Nkausu (Supersport United), Bronson Chama (Red Arrows), Stoppila Sunzu (TP Mazembe), Hichani Himoonde (TP Mazembe), Chongo Kabaso (Konkola Mine Police), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Ra’anana), Chintu Kampamba (Kabwe Warriors), Christopher Munthali (Nkana) and Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows);

Midfielders

-Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe), Fwayo Tembo (Astra Guirgu), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Mukuka Mulenga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural), Christopher Katongo (Henan Construction), Noah Chivuta (Nakhon Ratchasima), William Njobvu (Enois Paralimni) and strikers: Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht), Emmanuel Mayuka (FC Sochaux), Roger Kola (GAA Gent), James Chamanga (Liaoning Whowin), Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates).

The Brazil squad has goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense), Victor (Atletico Mineiro); Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Palmeiras), Dede (Cruzeiro), Maicon (AS Roma), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint Germain);

Midfielders

: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Hernanes (Lazio), Luiz Gustavo (VfL Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Oscar (both Chelsea) and forwards: Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Lucas (Paris Saint Germain), Hulk (Zenit St

Petersburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Alexandre Pato (Corinthians), Neymar (Barcelona).