By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
TURKEY-based striker Jacob Mulenga is leading a list of high-profile Chipolopolo players who have been left out by coach Honour Janza in the Zambia squad for the two crucial 2015 Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mozambique and Cape Verde later this month.
Also missing out for the first time is dropped Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo with his younger brother Felix, clubless midfielder Fwayo Tembo, Power Dynamos goalkeeper Joshua Titima and striker Jonas Sakuwaha.
While these are out of the Zambia team, Janza has recalled South Africa-based wing back Davies Nkausu who should bring back stability on the rear right flank, after the defender missed recent action due to a knee injury.
Zimbabwe-based defender Aaron Katebe has also been roped in together with under-20 starlet, Lubambo Musonda from Armenia.
Zambia plays Mozambique away on November 15 in Maputo before hosting Cape Verde in the final Group F fixture in Ndola on November 19.
“We have not dropped anyone but it’s the numbers that we are looking at. We have a balancing act to take between the numbers in the team, those on the bench and the young local players we have to develop,” Janza said.
Janza has also brought in the young and promising talent in Zambia under-17 holding midfielder, Changwe Kalale and under-20 rising stars in Spencer Sautu and Patrick Ngoma.
He said he was awash with talent especially upfront and wanted to keep everyone happy, thus he was calling those players  who will be best effective for every game.
“So its just that this time we can’t take in all players, we have a lot of players up front and it would not be appropriate to get all of them and sit them on the bench and the stands,” he said
Janza’s team has Kennedy Mweene, Danny Munyau and Toaster Nsabata as goalkeepers.
The defenders are Stoppila Sunzu, Nyambe Mulenga, Davies Nkausu, Kabaso Chongo, Donashano Malama, Aaron Katebe, Chris Munthali, Emmanuel Mbola and Roderick Kabwe with the midfielders being Changwe Kalale, Nathan Sinkala, Spencer Sautu, Shadreck Malambo, Rainford Kalaba, Chisamba Lungu and Charles Zulu.
Nkana star Ronald Kampamba leads a list of forwards who include Bruce Musakanya, Patrick Ngoma, Emmanuel Mayuka and veteran James Chamanga.
Meanwhile, FAZ Communications Manager Nkweto Tembwe said the team camping had tentatively set for November 9 but that the association would consult Government in view of the national mourning declared for late Republican President Michael Sata.
Sata was also FAZ Patron.
“The team should start camping few days before the game but there is national mourning right now so we have to consult further,” Tembwe said.