. Simukonda

By GRACE CHAILE –
ZAMBIA Under-23 soccer coach, Fighton Simukonda says Lubambo Musonda and Mukuka Mulenga are expected to join the team in the next two weeks ahead of the 2015 Congo-Brazzaville All-Africa Games preliminary qualifier against Madagascar on February 21.
Simukonda said the two influential players could not join the team as they needed to rest after featuring for the senior team at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The duo will also first report to their respective clubs before linking up with the Under-23 squad.
“Mukuka and Lubambo just came from the AFCON tournament and therefore need to rest. They also have to report to their clubs and thereafter the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) will engage in talks over their release to the team,’ he said.
He said only 16 reported for a training camp while others were still engaged at their clubs like the Power Dynamos and Zesco United players  who were busy preparing for their respective Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions.
Simukonda, however, expressed happiness with the players’ commitment and discipline during training.
He said the team needed to win the away game in Antananarivo to ease the burden in the return match.
Simukonda said he had confidence in the players and that the level of competitiveness being exhibited was a sign for good performance.
Zambia will face Madagascar on February 21 in the first leg preliminary round of the 2015 Congo-Brazzaville All-Africa Games qualifiers before facing the winners between Botswana and Kenya in the Olympic Games qualifier in March.
Meanwhile,  SANDRA MWILA reports Under-17 captain Patson Daka has expressed happiness over his nomination for the 2014 MTN/FAZ Young Player of the Year.
Daka of Nchanga Rangers will battle for the top prize against clubmate Larry Bwalya and Green Eagles’ Spencer Sautu.
In an interview yesterday, Daka said he did not expect his name to be among the nominees and that being a finalist had left him humbled.
“The nomination has come as a surprise I did not expect his to happen and I am humbled to be named among the best young players,” Daka said.
Daka, who is with the Under-17 squad preparing for the 2015 Niger Africa Junior Championship, said he was looking forward to February 20 for the awards ceremony.
He also said he was ready to lead the Under-17 squad and bring the African trophy to Zambia.
Daka said everyone in the team looked ready for the challenge and were focused on the task ahead in Niger.
Coach Chris Kaunda said it would be easy to select the final 21 players as the battle for slots in the squad had been high.
Kaunda will unveil the final team on Friday before team leaves for Niamey next Tuesday.