By GWEN CHIPASULA –

. Lwandamina

CHIPOLOPOLO coach George Lwandamina says a solid preparatory regime will determine Zambia’s performance at the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament to be held in Rwanda.
Lwandamina said he had confidence in the CHAN squad and that the dream of winning the continental championship lay in preparing well and the players performing to their best at the competition.
Lwandamina has had a good run since being roped in as Chipolopolo coach after the FAZ sacked Honour Janza, he also guided his club Zesco United as they retained the league title.
On Thursday night he was voted coach-of-the-year after beating Nkwazi’s Elijah Chikwanda and Green Buffaloes’ Bilton Musonda.
Asked about the recent poor showing of the various national football teams at continental championships, Lwandamina said though Zambia performed below expectations, it was on the right path to development.
He said the national team had ‘the right age’ with regard to players, adding that this was an indicator of a bright future despite some undesirable results of late.
“We respect the fans and understand their anger about our developmental football teams. We may not have won these tournaments but I know we have made good strides forward, especially with the juniors getting into the senior team.
“The junior teams may have performed poorly but because these players are young and getting senior team call ups, this means we have a bright future. I am very sure we are on the right path,” he said.
He added that despite failures of the junior national teams with the Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 failing to get past the group stage at continental competitions, the CHAN team will perform to people’s expectations.
And striker Winston Kalengo said the CHAN team will be aiming to reach the finals at the CHAN competition which starts on January 16 in Rwanda.
Kalengo, who picked three awards last week at the MTN/ FAZ Awards night, said w Zambia can win the CHAN tournament.
“I know the Under-23 team performance was a shame but all that is left is for the CHAN team to do is their best. We just have to go as far as reaching the final and probably win it,” Kalengo said.
Kalengo said winning the tournament will not be easy for any team and that Zambia had the tough task of preparing adequately for the championship.
The CHAN team regroups on December 27 ahead of the 16-tournament that commences on January 16 and has four groups of four.
Zambia is in Group D with rivals regional Zimbabwe, Mali and Uganda.