The Chipolopolo Boys will be taking on Djibouti in the opening fixture of the Cecafa Cup on Wednesday. Zambianfootball.net takes a look at the 18 players in Herve Renard’s team.
Goalkeepers
Jacob Banda (Zesco United ) – The former 2007 World Youth Cup first choice goalkeeper will be the man trusted by the technical bench in keeping clean sheets. Banda’s main strength is aerial (very good in air) and ball distribution especially on counter attacks.
He won his first call up in August during Zambia’s 10 day tour of Germany but had to wait for four months to finally make his senior debut in a friendly match against DR Congo. His heroics and command in the penalty box (came on as a second half sub; v DR Congo) convinced Herve Renard to hand the Zesco United shot stopper the nod ahead of Rabson Mucheleng’anga for the crucial two legged encounter against Angola.
Davy Kaumbwa (Green Buffaloes) – Kaumbwa was earmarked by many pundits as one of Zambia’s top prospect by international break through was derailed after he was banned by CAF.
This after it was discovered that the (his) age Green Buffaloes (CAF Confederations Cup) and Zambia under-20 had differed and this led to the Continent’s governing body to suspend Kaumbwa from international competitions though he was eligible to play in domestic ones.
Defenders
Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos)- This is the opportunity Zambia’s Mr Reliable has been waiting- to play in his favoured position, centre back role. The versatile defender has been used often in a defensive midfield role by most coaches at international level and this has left many fans question his wayward performances. Often mistakenly for former Kabwe Warriors player Francis ‘Koje’ Kasonde (his namesake) looks poised to partner Elijah Tana in the absence of Hichani Himonde.
Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes)- He is an elegant defender. The Buffaloes skipper is the smartest defender in the local league. This will be his third international tournament he will taking part after impressive shows at the 2007 African and World Youth Cups.
In fact at both the under-20 tournament, the 20 year old played (the unsung hero of that group) all the games except the 4-2 loss to Nigeria at the AYC. He has been in and out of the Chipolopolo Boys training set up under the French-born coach.
Nyambe Henry Mulenga (Zesco United) – One would be surprised to hear that the ex-Chipolopolo Boys defender, the late Eston ‘Yellow man’ Mulenga’s son doesn’t drink (alcohol) unlike many footballers.
The nonsense and aggressive defender will be hoping he won’t be ‘hunted by tournament Ghosts’ at the Cecafa. He was given marching orders at both the 2007 African and World Youth Cup and his tournament nightmare continued when he injured his ankle at the 2008 Cosafa Senior Challenge in the first match against Zimbabwe.
L-R: Emmanuel Mbola (13), Given Singuluma (15), Nyambe Mulenga (3), Jacob Banda (gk) & Elijah Tana
Elijah Tana (Nchanga Rangers)- After his man of the match performance against Angola has vindicated and proved all those who thought he was ‘too old’ to play at this level again. He will be inspirational at the tournament to his youthful teammates especially the back four.
Emmanuel Mbola (Mining Rangers)- He is the youngest and most inexperienced member of the squad. According to Renard, the teenage left footed wingback is headed for great things. Don’t be stunned if he gets the nod to start against Egypt in March 2009.
The highly rated has been compared to Former Real Madrid left back Roberto Carlos though he needs time to march the heights of the Brazilian born full back. Should he stay grounded, he has the world at his feet.
Watch this space, this boy is an absolute gem of a player.
Midfielders
Josphat Nkhoma (Lusaka Dynamos)- The 25 year old will be used mainly as an impact player. The former Malasyia based winger could be Zambia’s super sub together with Lottie Phiri.
Kebby Hachipuka (Zesco United)- Having switched from demoted side Green Eagles to Zesco United, the ‘Tonga Bull’ is in buoyant mode. During training games, the 2008 revelation of the year was used as a (precaution) centre back..So that he can adapt (in case of an injury) because each country was only allowed to carry 18 players as opposed to 23 for a tournament.
‘Hachi’s economical in keeping possession and the ‘slow but sure’ approach has won him many admirers since earning his full cap in September
Zambia’s technical bench:Herve Renard, Patrice Beaumelle, George Lwandamina, Dr. Kabungo & Marlon Mwiinga (Physio)
Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco United)- The former Zamtel Social midfielder has all the attributes especially his physical stature to be an international midfielder.
He came on in the last 20 minutes against Angola to have his first taste of international football. At the Cecafa he will usually be coming off the bench to anchor the engine room.
Maunga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors)- Renard took many by surprise again by naming the former Zanaco striker in his starting line up and more surprisingly in the offensive midfield role in both games against Angola.
The left footed player has an incredible work rate and energy. He looks ready to work for the team. He is basically a disciplined player in terms of positioning. Plenty of his vision, but the quality of his final ball lets him down too often.
Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos)- Crowd favourite because of his tricky foot work down the flanks but the 20 year old has to show that he is a team player or he will shown the door especially that Banda ‘Thierry’ Henry will be recalled for CHAN tournament.
This is Mudenda’s last chance to show prove his credentials to earn the trust of Renard subsequently forcing his way into the ‘main’ national team set up and compete for place with the likes Fwayo Tembo, Felix Katongo, Rainford Kalaba and Clifford Mulenga.
L-R: Josphat Nkhoma (19), Davy Kaumbwa (gk), Nicholas Zulu (11), Kebby Hachipuka (3), Kondwani Mtonga (8), Lottie Phiri (7) & Francis Kasonde (2)
William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos)- The magician is back at his best and again workaholic midfielder will be sacrificed in the holding role just in front of the back four. The former under-20 ace and graduate of the ‘class of 07’ is expected to come out of shell to lead the Chipolopolo Boys to the finals.
Should he moved upfront in his favoured attacking midfield role, his incisive range of passing and reading of the game will bring creative and assuredness in midfield.
Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco United)- The lanky and speed winger is one of Zambia’s danger man. His runs down the flanks will be a nightmare to full backs. Though he usually finds himself in goal scoring positions, the boy from North-Western province is not a very good finisher.
Strikers
Derrick Kabwe (Roan United)- Controversially found himself in camp and when Renard was naming his final 18, he had no option but to chose Kabwe for the sake of team balancing (But he stands very chance to be in the CHAN Squad)
The left footed, slim and slender striker will do himself justice if he can score one or two goals at the tournament.
Rodger Kola (Zanaco)- This is the time for Kola to repay back the faith shown in him by Renard. Described as one of Zambia’s symbol of present & future, Kola has failed to spark on the international stage especially at Konkola Stadium.
On his day the 19 year old can be deadly and one shouldn’t be surprised if he proves his critics wrong.
Lottie Phiri (Zesco United)- Another unsung hero in the 18 man squad. The left-footed burly and diminutive striker cum midfielder is another player to watch.
He has a sweet left foot.
Given Singuluma (Zanaco)- He is Zambia’s most prized attacking weapon and natural goal poacher in that squad. Zambia’s progress will depend on the form of the player nicknamed Angola (he has netted three goals in three matches against Angola).
L-R: Jonas Sakuwaha, Maunga Kabuku (17), Kennedy Mudenda, & Given Singuluma (15)
If you will be looking for fancy or physical player in the former Bay United striker then you are mistaken. He is a thought of player you have to keep on the pitch even he is not doing anything concrete…present him with goal opportunity, you bet 9/10 that he score!
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