.KANGWA

By SANDRA MWILA –

CHIPOLOPOLO striker Evans Kangwa is likely to miss the 2015 COSAFA Senior Challenge tournament currently underway in South Africa due to club commitments.
A close source to the player told the Times yesterday that Kangwa will not make it to play in the regional tournament as he was working on renewing his contract with his club Hapoel Ra’anana in Israel.
“Kangwa won’t be available for COSAFA, and he told them (FAZ) that he won’t be coming but we wonder why they are still putting him on the list. Kangwa is working on renewing his contract at his club after his proposed move to France failed,” the source said.
But coach Honour Janza insisted that Kangwa will be available for the tournament and is expected to join the team today from Israel.
Janza said the technical bench has been in contact with Kangwa’s club on his release together with defender Emmanuel Mbola and that the response has been positive.
“We have confirmation from administrators that all is well, Evans and Mbola will be available for COSAFA. The tickets have already been bought for May 20 but we are still working around the clock to have them leave Israel today (yesterday),” he said.
Meanwhile, Platinum Stars defender Aaron Katebe joined the squad and was part of yesterday’s training session at Heroes National Stadium.
Janza has challenged Katebe to become an integral member of the national team and fit into the shoes of some senior players.
“For Aaron I think it’s his time to become instrumental, at his age I am hoping he fits in the shoes of the likes of Stopilla Sunzu. His time is long overdue,” Janza said.
Janza said the players were ready for the tournament and going by their preparations done so far, he was confident of retaining the title.
“When you are cup holders, the main objective is to defend the title, and going by the series of international friendless the boys played, I can say they are ready for battle,” he said.