By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
ZAMBIA today resumes training for the formality group game of the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup qualifier against Kenya on September 2.
Coach George Lwandamina has summoned 28 local players to camp among four who will be in the national team for the first time as the technical bench has set another eye on the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers that kick off in October.
The four players include Zanaco captain Ziyo Tembo, Justin Shonga of Nkwazi, Josephat Kasusu from Kabwe Warriors and Green Buffaloes defender Mweene Mumbi.
Team manager Stanley Kaseko said he was expecting the bulk of the players to be in camp by 18:00hrs yesterday in Ndola.
He said Christopher Katongo and Emmanuel Museka were among the first players to confirm availability but that he expected a lot of players to report late in the evening.
Qualified Guinea Bissau tops with 10 points, four better than both Congo Brazzaville and Zambia who are second and third respectively and Kenya is bottom with four points.
The team: Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Danny Munyao (Red Arrows), Racha Kola (Zanaco).
Defenders: Museka Emmanuel (Lusaka Tigers), Simon Silwimba (Zesco United), Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Mweene Mumbi (Green Buffaloes), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Munthali Christopher (Nkana), Fackson Kapumbu (Zanaco).
Midfielders: Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Mwelwa Mwape (Zesco United), Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco United) Richard Kasonde (Zanaco) Chota Chama Clatous (Zesco United), Misheck Chaila (Zesco United), John Ching’andu (Zesco United), Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco), Charles Zulu (Zanaco).
Strikers: Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Fashion Sakala (Zanaco), Justin Shonga (Nkwazi), Josephat Kasusu (Kabwe Warriors).