By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia Assistant Technical Director Moses Sichone says with the expectations sky high ahead of the under-20 Mopani Cosafa tournament kicking off tomorrow, fans need to realise the team did not have ideal preparations due to time limitations.
“I do not want to make excuses but people should know that the team did not have enough time to prepare but they are ready as the expectations from the fans are high because we will be playing at home. I hope they reach the finals,” said Sichone.
Sichone said the talent was evident in the team and there were a little tweaks they needed to work on before the first game against tournament guests Uganda at Arthur Davis on Wednesday in the late kick off.
He said the important thing was to get a good result in the opening fixture then handle the rest as they came.
And Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASPOFA) strongman Peter Makembo has challenged the Zambia under-20 to emulate the success of their predecessors by winning the regional Cosafa under-20 tournament that starts tomorrow, writes ADRIAN MWANZA.
Makembo said the country would rally behind the team and to see that the title remains in Zambia.
“I have no doubt that the team will perform well. We want them to remain focused because the tournament will not be easy,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the technical bench which he said had the knowhow for such a tournament because they were the same people that made the under-17 win the COSAFA under-17 tournament in Mauritius.
“The team should know that we are rallying behind them. So they should know what is at stake by ensuring that we retain the title at all costs,” he said.