By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

BESTONE Chambeshi says Chipolopolo caretaker coach ‘Chicken’ George Lwandamina has the potential to guide the national team to greater heights if given an opportunity.
Chambeshi said in an interview yesterday that Lwandamina had massive experience and that he should be considered for a permanent deal now that the hiring of an expatriate was hanging in a balance.
He said this in a wake of the uncertainty surrounding the engagement of a foreign coach with the Government struggling to raise funds meant for the expatriate’s remuneration.
“Lwandamina has what it takes to produce positive results. We have seen him do well at club level and I think his experience is vital for the national team. Local coaches have the capacity to do well if they are given a chance,” he said.
Sports Minister Vincent Mwale on Friday said the US$25,000 was too much to pay an expatriate coach and that there was need for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to consider employing a local coach.
“All we need is a coach that can deliver positive results and having a local at the helm is an advantage because he understands the style of football and players very well,” Chambeshi said.
Meanwhile, Chambeshi said there was need to invest in grassroots football to create a strong foundation for future teams.
Chambeshi said the level of talent revealed during the Airtel Talent Search trials was impressive.
“With this level of talent from youngsters, I think we have a future Chipolopolo team in these youngsters. All we need is to nurture and guide them for future prospects,” he said.