By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
STRIKER Jonas Sakuwaha says he feels great to be back in the Chipolopolo setup.
The TP Mazembe striker has been recalled for the first time in over a year by Honour Janza for Chipolopolo’s 2015 Africa Cup Group F opening qualifier at home against Mozambique on September 6.
Sakuwaha said in an interview in Ndola that he was looking forward to meeting up with his Chipolopolo team mates next week.
“Yes it is true. It feels good to be back to the national team unexpectedly. I thank my God for my answered prayers. It was my dream to come back again,” Sakuwaha said.
Sakuwaha last played for Chipolopolo in the 2014 FIFA world Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Sudan in June, 2013 before suffering a long-term foot injury.
Mazembe today wrap up their weeklong training camp in Ndola that saw them play two training games against Zesco United and Kabwe Warriors on Tuesday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Sakuwaha scored one goal from close range in the 27th minute in Mazembe’s 2-nil win over Warriors while Mbwana Samatta turned in the second in the 51st minute off a Solomon Asante run on the right wing.
And in the second game, Mazembe beat Zesco 1-0 thanks to a goal by Malian striker Cheikh Traore.
Mazembe are expected to fly out on Friday on a direct flight to Kinshasa ahead of Sundays final 2014 CAF Champions League Group A tie against AS Vita to decide who finish top of the group. Both sides have qualified to next month’s semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the national team yesterday wrapped up their three day training camp with a 2-1 victory over FAZ Division One South side, Zesco Malaliti Rangers in a friendly game played at the National Heroes Stadium.
Clubless Fwayo Tembo gave Zambia the lead in the 10th minute before Aaron Kabwe equalised for Malaliti Rangers five minutes later but Under-20 player Larry Bwalya sealed the victory in the second half.
Coach Honour Janza expressed happiness with the overall performance of the players that were part of this week’s camp.
Janza said in an interview that all the players have been ambitious and will be given a chance to further fight for places in the main team during the friendly match against Sudan on August 31.
“So far I am happy with the performance of the players especially the under 20 boys, they are very ambitious and stand a chance to be in the team that will play Sudan. I may use mostly local players against Sudan but would consider the foreign based players that would be available,” he said.
Speaking in a separate interview, FAZ communications manager Nkweto Tembwe refuted claims by Power Dynamos management that there was no official communication from Football House requesting release of the players.
Tembwe said Power management was communicated to the same way other clubs were informed about the training camp.