By SANDRA MWILA –
THE Zambia Under-20 team has been handed a boost as they prepare to face Mali tomorrow after Government agreed to grant them the wish of camping in a country of their choice should they qualify for the World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, former Republican President Rupiah Banda has expressed confidence that Zambia will qualify for the World Cup finals in South Korea following their performance against Guinea on Sunday.
The Beston Chambeshi coached side kicked-off their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard fought win over Guinea through a Paston Daka goal to take command of Group A after rivals Mali and Egypt drew in the other fixture.
Zambia now needs a win over Mali tomorrow to confirm their ticket to South Korea.
Mawere pledged to camp the team in a country of their choice if the team qualifies for the World Cup.
The Minister, in an interview on Sunday evening, revealed that the team had indicated their desire to camp in the United Kingdom and that their wish would be granted only if they qualify.
“The boys performed well and gave us a good performance and we shall be here to support them with their preparations for the World Cup finals. I am also grateful to the soccer fans for turning out in numbers and that shows that truly Zambia is a footballing nation,” he said.
He said the support of the Republican President Edgar Lungu gave the boys morale and that CAF has expressed happiness with the way Zambia is hosting the competition.
“Going forward, CAF will entrust us with bigger tournaments and they have testified that Zambia was indeed ready to host the tournament.
The boys are equal to the task and they can lift the cup.
“Much as Mali is proving to be a good team, I want to urge the Zambian team not to relax but put in their best,” he said.
And Banda, who was in the stands at Heroes National Stadium to support the lads, said the players played well against Guinea and that he has no doubt the team will qualify for the World Cup.
“Zambian football is in safe hands and I am almost sure that we will qualify to the World cup,” Banda said.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the team started on a good note and thanked fans for the support.
“I have not seen so much support in a long time. Good job to the fans and let them continue rallying behind the team in the remaining games. One step at a time and we hope and pray that we qualify to the semi-finals which is the minimum target and winning the tournament is an ultimate target of course,” Kamanga said.