By SANDRA MWILA –
ZAMBIA yesterday climbed into Africa’s top 10 bracket for the first time this year with Chipolopolo coach Honour Janza saying the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola monthly ranking is only good for corporate image but has no bearing at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
According to the December 2014 FIFA rankings released in Zurich, Switzerland yesterday, the team moved a gigantic 16 steps up the ladder to be rated 46th in the world and ninth in Africa.
Last month, Zambia had jumped another 16 places on the global chart to occupy the 62nd position in the world and 15th in Africa.
Tunisia and Cape Verde, who are Zambia’s opponents at next month’s AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea, are ranked second and seventh, respectively on the continent.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks are 22nd and 40th in the world while Zambia’s other rivals at the 2015 AFCON, DR Congo are perched 13th in Africa.
Algeria are still the top ranked country in Africa while South Africa, who play Zambia in a friendly match on January 4, rated 12th on the continent.
But Janza said in an interview that the latest FIFA ranking would have no bearing on the Chipolopolo’s performance at the AFCON despite the rating being good for the nation’s corporate image.
Janza, however, said he was happy with the December rankings because Zambia would be recognised highly in Africa and the world at large.
“The FIFA rankings have little or no bearing at the AFCON, they are just good for our country’s corporate image,” Janza said.
He warned the players against relying on the team’s improvement on the FIFA table but that they should work hard to deliver good results.
“The players should embrace the latest rankings but should not dwell on them when they are in Equatorial Guinea,” Janza said.
On the Chipolopolo’s preparations, he said he was happy that the foreign-based players who have joined the locals in training were in good form.
Janza said he was impressed with Lubambo Musonda and Chisamba Lungu’s quick adaption with the local players.
“The foreign based players that have joined training are impressive. They have picked up from the level they were at during the qualifiers,” he said.
The Chipolopolo trainer said the foreign based players were already blending well with the locals and that it was a step in the right direction.
Janza said he was in agreement with FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya that it was unrealistic for the Chipolopolo to target gold the 2015 AFCON finals.
He, however, said it would be a good thing if an opportunity comes their way to win the 2015 AFCON but the focus was to deliver good results.
“I totally agree with Kalu, that targeting a win is unrealistic but we are not saying we can’t win, if an opportunity comes our way we should reclaim the trophy,” Janza said.