MICHAEL MIYOBA writes
@SunZambian
THE Football Association of Zambia has said it is looking beyond the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Mauritania and Tunisia to continue strengthening the national squad to be among the top teams on the continent.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga is confident that the Chipolopolo will deliver to the expectations of the fans during Saturday’s and Tuesday’s back-to-back Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Mauritania and Tunisia. Kamanga said there has been a lot of positive energy building up to the games against Mauritania and Tunisia with the form of some of the Chipolopolo players among the most notable in global football. Kamanga confirmed that the Chipolopolo is in camp with foreign-based players expected to start trooping in.
“Like we have done throughout this campaign, from an administrative side, we have done our best to lay the ground for the team to be able to compete in the two fixtures.
“The home match is particularly important as it will be an opportunity for the fans to watch their team in action in the aftermath of prohibitive Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.
Kamanga said the local soccer governing body is encouraged by the local league which is giving the domestic stars the match needed match fitness that will make the Chipolopolo very competitive.
“Our league has provided some magical moments so far as can be seen from the weekend action that delivered some of the most unexpected results.
“The sustained league action is good for the two teams competing in the CAF Confederation Cup. Zanaco and Red Arrows carry the hopes of the whole nation on the continent, and we wish them the best of luck,” Kamanga said. He urged Chipolopolo fans to take advantage of the early sale of tickets available in Shoprite outlets for Saturday’s match against Mauritania. The Confederation of African Football has allowed FAZ to admit 30, 000 fans given the improved Covid-19 situation in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Kamanga has hailed government for the support rendered to the Chipolopolo especially through President Hakainde Hichilema who is the FAZ patron.
Kamanga said they are happy with the commitment shown by President Hichilema and Minister of Sports and Arts Elvis Nkandu who has been keeping tabs on the team.
