Jacob Mulenga gives conditions for return

FORWARD Mulenga is reportedly reluctant to accept the national team call-up for next month’s 2017 Gabon Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in Nairobi.
According to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) insiders, Mulenga wants assurance that he would be in the starting lineup at Nyayo National Stadium.

Mulenga, who plies his trade in China, was not happy that he played a few minutes in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
He said Mulenga has not confirmed his availability despite receiving the invitation.

“The invitation letters have already been sent and all the players that the coach wants have received. Others have already confirmed but Mulenga is yet to confirm. The problem is that coaches feel like he [Mulenga] is holding them to ransom and they are not willing to guarantee him a place in the starting lineup,” he said.
Mulenga has been in top form for his Chinese club Shijiazhuang Ever Bright scoring nine goals in 23 appearances.
Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has also recalled South Africa-based striker Collins Mbesuma.

Others summoned for the September 6 clash are skipper Rainford Kalaba and midfielder Nathan Sinkala both of Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe, defender Stopilla Sunzu of French side Lille and midfielder Chisamba Lungu of Russian side FC Ural.
The rest are goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene of South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, defender Davies Nkausu of South African outfit Bloemfontein Celtics and Egypt-based forward Ronald Kampamba.