By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

FORMER Zambia soccer team striker, Dudley Fichite has backed Chintu Kampamba for the position of Chipolopolo assistant coach.

The appointment of Kampamba, who is also Kabwe Warriors player-cum-coach, as Chipolopolo and Olympic squad assistant coach has raised mixed feelings from the football fraternity with some calling for his removal while others have backed him.

But Fichite, whose last action in national colours was in Zambia’s 1-0 victory against Liberia at Independence Stadium in 2004, believes Kampamba must be given an opportunity to apply his skills.

He said in an interview yesterday that he was confident Kampamba would deliver having had a chance to play with him at national team level.

Fichite said it was therefore important for stakeholders to support Kampamba in his new role at both the senior and under 23 level so that he can deliver.

The former Green Buffalos and Primeiro de Agosto talisman, who is currently assistant coach at Division One South club Riflemen, urged Kampamba to ignore the critics and concentrate on his job.

“It is only fair to allow someone to work and that’s when one can judge their ability. I think Chintu can do the job. He should not be subdued by critics but focus on applying his skills on the job he has been given,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fichite has tipped the Zambia 2013 COSAFA Senior Challenge winning squad of becoming a formidable team on the continent.

Fichite said the players in the current Zambia local squad were capable of reclaiming the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title which the Chipolopolo surrendered at group stage during the 2013 edition held in South Africa.

He called for early preparations for the Chipolopolo ahead of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers saying adequate preparations would be cardinal for Zambia’s success.

Fichite also implored the current crop of players to remain focused and disciplined if they were to succeed in their football careers.