•JANZA

By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –

AS Zambia begin the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup title defence against Namibia tomorrow, coach Honour Janza has taken a swipe at truant Israel-based striker Evans Kangwa whom he said has shown bad character and poor attitude.
The Hapoel Ra’anana player has kept Janza and his technical bench in the dark about his whereabouts while his clubmate, Emmanuel Mbola has already joined the Chipolopolo squad in South Africa ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final showdown with Namibia.
Speaking after watching Namibia demolish four-time COSAFA champions, Zimbabwe 4-1 to win the right to face Zambia tomorrow, Janza said the players were upbeat about tomorrow’s game but was disappointed with Kangwa’s conduct.
“Of course it is sad Evans Kangwa is not here but this is not a good character and attitude to show from a player. When a player is called, it’s good to respond because this is national duty. Everyone has to respect national duty,” Janza said.
This statement might as well confirm that Kangwa will not make the COSAFA tournament despite defender Mbola joining squad that takes  on the high-scoring Namibia.
Janza heaped praise on other foreign based players like Nathan Sinkala, who should captain the squad, Mbola, Kennedy Mweene and Mukuka Mulenga among others for responding to a national call.
“It’s good character for those who have responded. We need people to have passion and pride for their country, showing dedication to your country,” he said.
Kangwa was one of the trusted strikers Janza wanted to use in the regional tournament having been to two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
On Namibia, Janza said the Brave Warriors were an exciting side that liked going forward but that the Chipolopolo, who won the COSAFA Cup in Ndola two years ago, would know how to handle them.
He said Namibia had a point to prove especially that they were also Zambia’s opponents in the forthcoming 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
“They (Namibia) are a good side who have a point to prove especially that we shall be facing them in them in the CHAN. But their attacking flair means we shall take the ball to them,” he said.
The Chipolopolo trainer said every game had its own challenges and character and that Zambia would treat the Namibia game seriously and fight to defend the regional cup.
Deon Hotto scored twice within nine minutes as Namibia stormed quarter-finals on Thursday by trouncing Zimbabwe 4-1 at Moruleng Stadium  in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Chris Katjiukua and Sydney Uri Khob were the other scorers for the Brave Warriors while Raphael Manuvire converted a Zimbabwe penalty.
Namibia finished the mini-league on seven points after drawing 0-0 with Seychelles and defeating Mauritius 2-0 in other mini-league matches.
This will be Zambia and Namibia’s fourth meeting in the COSAFA Cup with Chipolopolo enjoying a slight edge with one win and two draws.