GRANTS CALL ELATES CHIBWE

South African born and ZESCO United shot stopper Cyril Chibwe is delighted at the prospects of winning his place back in Zambia’s first eleven when Chipolopolo faces Lesotho in the Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Zambia faces Lesotho on March 23, 2023 at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola.

Chibwe’s last appearance as Chipolopolo first choice goalkeeper, was at the 2022 COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup where Zambia emerged Champions.

The United goalkeeper has, however failed to command a first team role since the Ivory Coast Africa Cup Nations qualifying series started with former National Team coach Aijosa Asanovic opting to start with Sekhukhune United shot stopper Toaster Nsabata ahead of Chibwe in the first two games.

However, the appointment of Avram Grant as national team head coach gives Chibwe another opportunity to renew his fight for a place in Chipolopolo’s starting eleven.

“I mean it’s always good to be called up to the national team. It shows that my hard work is being noticed. I still must work extra hard if I am to claim anything especially that we have a new coach now. Now it’s up to me to and fight hard. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will do my best,” Chibwe said.

Chibwe has been United’s first choice goalkeeper in the last nine games the team has played in the Zambian Super League.

Last week, Grant announced Zambia’s provisional squad which included six ZESCO United players that goes into residential camp ahead of the game against Lesotho.

The Israeli coach will be aiming to open his chapter with Zambia on a high by beating the Crocodiles of Lesotho on March 23, when the two sides meet at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium.

Zambia’s first game of the qualifiers ended in a 3-1 away defeat to Ivory Coast before coming from a goal down to beat Comoros 2-1 at the National Heroes stadium.

A win against Lesotho will give the copper bullets enough oomph when they face Lesotho in the second leg match scheduled for South Africa.

LOCAL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Mwenya Chibwe (Zesco United), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Allan Chibwe (Forest Rangers), Charles Kalunga (Red Arrows)

DEFENDERS: Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Dominic Chanda, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Shemmy Mayembe, John Chishimba (Zesco United), Mwila Phiri (Zanaco), Teddy Khumalo, Gift Mphande (both Athletico Lusaka), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Aaron Katebe (Power Dynamos)

MIDFIELDERS: Kelvin Kapumbu, Kelvin Kampamba (both Zesco United), Gideon Sichone (Green Buffaloes), Andrew Mphande (Nkwazi), Oliver Lumbiya (Nkana), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos). Charles Zulu, Abraham Siankombo (both Zanaco), Augustine Mulenga (Napsa Stars).

STRIKERS: Andrew Phiri (MUZA), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles FC), Lazarous Kambole (Zesco)

Author: Desmond Katongo