By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –

. MUNAILE

FORMER Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice-president Emanuel Munaile says the approach FAZ has taken in wanting to win the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) by all means is wrong.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Munaile said he would prefer young players were given the opportunity to gain more experience in big competitions rather than going in to win it.
Munaile, a former national team captain said the inclusion of the veteran duo of Christopher Katongo and Isaac Chansa in the Chipolopolo demonstrated FAZ’s desire to win the competition by all means.
While admitting that it was the coach and the people managing the team’s prerogative to choose who gets called up to the squad, he was quick to add that the pair have had their time in the team and it was time for change.
“Clearly, the coach wants to go and win the tournament and needs someone to encourage the young players at such a big tournament,” Munaile said.
But Zambia Football Coaches Association (ZAFCA) vice-president Lewis Shambulo said people should not be quick to condemn the move as the duo was just part of the 23 players that had been called up to the squad.
Shambulo said in a separate interview that the coaching bench roped in the two because they wanted to have a close look at them before deciding if they could make the cut.
“Between the two, they bring championship pedigree, leadership and experience and I think the coach saw that his squad lacked those qualities.
“Chris has a bagfull of experience and is a leader and as a coach, you need that type of player in the team.
“As for Isaac, we all know what he is capable of doing but it remains to be seen if he will make the final team,” he said.
On Jacob Banda handing over the captaincy to Katongo, Shambulo said it was a good gesture from the young man and good for Zambia.