. Janza

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
EX-Zambia players have said that the inclusion of fresh legs into the Chipolopolo will bring about the desired results as the team vies to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Simon Kaodi, a former KK 11 striker, said yesterday that it was wise for Chipolopolo coach Honour Janza to shuffle his squad by bringing in young talent into the squad, looking at the pace of Mozambique.
Kaodi said the Chipolopolo were exposed in the first match against Mozambique as the Mambas had pace as compared to some ageing Zambian players.
“I think this is what everyone has been calling for. We cannot rely on old players whose performance has not been convincing. The first game that we played against Mozambique exposed us so much and I am glad that the coach has considered to mix young talent and experienced players,” he said.
He said football was changing and that there was no need for Zambia to continue banking on the past glory but need to move on by having players who are hungry for success.
Speaking in a separate interview, retired midfield genius, Jericho Shinde said Janza’s squad was strong enough to deliver positive results against Mozambique because of the blend of players.
Shinde said what was lacking in the team previously was the absence of fresh legs as Janza’s selection was tilted towards experience.
He counselled the players who were left out of the squad to improve on their performance at their respective clubs to warrant selection into the Chipolopolo.
“If you look at the team selected to face Mozambique, it is full of experience and talent, so I think now Janza is on the right path to putting up a balanced squad. There is need to choose players based on performance and not names, that’s what Janza has shown us in his recent selection,” he said.
Janza last week announced his squad to face Mozambique and Cape Verde in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers on November 15 and 19 in Maputo and Ndola respectively.
Among the big names that missed out were the likes of captain Christopher Katongo, and strikers Jacob Mulenga and Jonas Sakuwaha missing out.
Janza has brought in the likes of Aaron Katebe, Roderick Kabwe, Charles Zulu, Patrick Ngoma, Changwe Kalale and has maintained faith in local players that include Bruce Musakanya, Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba, Shadreck Malambo, Spencer Sautu, Chris Munthali, Donashano Malama and Danny Munyau.
Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association (ZASOFA) chairperson Peter Makembo said there was need for Janza to have a new squad with new players eager to win matches and qualify for the continental showpiece.
Makembo said his association will always rally behind the team though they needed to be rewarded by a good performance.
“We welcome changes coach Honour Janza has made to the team and we are happy that he has said that doors are still open for other players to be called but depending on their performance at club level,” he said.
The full squad called has goalkeepers Kennedy Mweene, Danny Munyau and Toaster Nsabata while with the defenders are Stoppila Sunzu, Nyambe Mulenga, Davies Nkausu, Kabaso Chongo, Donashano Malama, Aaron Katebe, Chris Munthali, Emmanuel Mbola and Roderick Kabwe.
Midfielders are Changwe Kalale, Nathan Sinkala, Spenser Sautu, Shaderick Malambo, Rainford Kalaba, Chisamba Lungu and Charles Zulu while Bruce Musakanya, Patrick Ngoma, Emmanuel Mayuka, Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba and James Chamanga are the strikers.