. Mawere
By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
SPORTS Minister Moses Mawere says Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda has proven that he can deliver results for the country after qualifying the team to next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya.
Zambia on Saturday beat South Africa 2-0 in the second leg to qualify to CHAN 4-2 on aggregate.
Addressing the team after beating South Africa in Ndola, Mawere commended Nyirenda for the victory especially that he was working under a lot of pressure.
Mawere said pressure on the coach was too much adding that it had reached a point where a decision to relieve him off his duties was almost reached.
“I must also singularly congratulate him because pressure was too much. At one point we were even demaning for his blood. But today I think he has proved that it is possible that we can deliver as a country,” Mawere said.
Nyirenda came under heavy criticism from the fans following a poor start to the World Cup and Africa Cup qualifiers.
Zambia lost 2-1 at home against Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers before losing 1-0 against Mozambique in the African Cup qualifiers.
Mawere also tasked the Chipolopolo to go to Kenya and compete not just making up numbers.
He said the team should aim to win the title because the country was now used to seeing national teams winning titles.
He assured the team of full support from both FAZ and the Government at the CHAN tournament but urged every player to remain disciplined and work hard so that they retain their form when the competition starts.
“What we expect from you is to remain disciplined, you continue working hard in your clubs so that no one lurks behind but all of you should be there next year and we should be able to cheer you and go to Kenya not only to go and participate but go and compete. Hopefully bring back the cup because we are used to winning cups now,” Mawere said.
Zambia will be making a third appearance at the CHAN after competing in the inaugural tournament in 2009 but missed the next two events before qualifying for the 2016 edition and now 2018.
