By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
CHIPOLOPOLO coach Patrice Beaumelle has named a 42-member squad comprising local and foreign-based players for the international friendly match against Uganda.
The team has the likes of Jacob Mulenga, Rainford Kalaba and upstart Patson Daka but there is no place for strikers Collins Mbesuma and Fwayo Tembo as Beaumelle aims to record his first win of the opening game of the year.
Beaumelle said at a media briefing at Football House in Lusaka yesterday that Uganda would offer Zambia the needed competition despite the team having struggled to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
“Uganda may have been failing to qualify to the Africa Cup but they have been playing extremely well and they gave us a tough game the last time we played them. They have won the regional CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup before and have over the years proved to be a good side,” he said.
Beaumelle said that he would start the training camp with 26 locally based players on Monday, February 24, which would be trimmed once the foreign based players start arriving on March 2, ahead of the Uganda match.
The team of locals has goalkeepers Toaster Nsabata, Joshua Titima and Edson Phiri with the defenders being Jimmy Chisenga, Donashano Malama, Chris Munthali, Bronson Chama, George Chilufya, Salulani Phiri, Roderick Kabwe, Fackson Kapumbu and Evans Bwembya.
Midfielders are Kondwani Mtonga, Justin Zulu, Shaderick Malambo, Felix Katongo, Julius Situmbeko, Bruce Musakanya, Lubambo Musonda,Nsofwa Mwanza and Kennedy Mudenda.
Strikers are Ronald Kampamba, Larry Bwaile, Patson Daka and Moses Phiri.
The foreign based players summoned are goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene with Davies Nkausu, Kabaso Chongo, Stoppila Sunzu, Joseph Musonda, Hichani Himoonde and Emmanuel Mbola being the defenders.
The midfielders are Nathan Sinkala, William Njobvu, Chisamba Lungu and Rainford Kalaba while the strikers are Emmanuel Mayuka, Christopher Katongo, James Chamanga, Jacob Mulenga and Rodger Kola.