By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –

SPORTS Minister Vincent Mwale says he will travel with the Chipolopolo to Congo Brazzaville to minimise on the hostility that awaits the team.
Speaking when he visited the team in training yesterday morning, Mwale said he was aware that Congo Brazzaville was a hostile environment and that the team should expect rough treatment from the hosts.
He, however, said his presence as minister would make the hosts reduce their hostility towards the Chipolopolo.
“Congo (Brazzaville) obviously as we know is a very hostile environment. Psychologically they will try and hit us, they will try to frustrate us from the airport. For that reason I’m also travelling with you.
“When the minister is in the entourage, things become much lighter. I think there is some diplomacy because I’m a Government official,” he said.
He said it was important for the team to get psychologically ready for all forms of hostilities, but that he would do everything possible to minimise the effects on the players.
“But we have to be ready for whatever they will try and throw to us. We have never lost in Brazzaville.
“Ba Mbesuma knows very well, he banged a hat-trick there in the last game we had. We beat them 3-2. That spirit can come back and we can do it,” said Mwale.
Meanwhile, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, speaking earlier, urged the team to remain focused and not to worry about anything as all the logistics were in place.
He said the team’s objective was to qualify for the World Cup.
And Zambia Sports Fans Association leader Peter Makembo has praised President Edgar Lungu for facilitating fans’ free entry into Levy Mwanawasa Stadium for Wednesday’s match.
Makembo said the gesture by the President should be commended as the fans were given an opportunity to cheer the team in numbers despite the game ending in a draw.
“The President needs to be supported for his gesture and my appeal is to the Chipolopolo to reward him with qualification to the Africa Cup as well as the World Cup finals.
“The team needs to appreciate this massive support they are receiving from Government by delivering expected results,” he said.
Makembo also urged the Chipolopolo to stun Congo Brazzaville at their own home ground by going top of the table.
The team was scheduled to leave for Congo Brazzaville early this morning using a chartered plane.