DIANA MUTAKAFIMBO, Lusaka
RUSSIA-BASED midfielder Chisamba Lungu has urged local players not to be intimidated by foreign-based compatriots and should aim at cementing positions in the national team.
Twenty one local players are in camp shaping up for the September 6 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya.
Chisamba said from Ekaterinburg yesterday that local players should remain focused because players are judged by performance and not status.
“It doesn’t matter where a player comes from, the most important thing is performance. Local players have to remain focused and prepared. They should believe in themselves and concentrate. They shouldn’t be intimidated by foreign-based players. On the pitch, we are all equal,” he said.
Chisamba said the Kenya tie will not be easy but the Chipolopolo are determined to collect maximum points at Nyaro National Stadium in Nairobi.
He said it is important for the Chipolopolo to collect three points and bounce back in contention for a slot at the 2017 Gabon finals.
All the four teams in Group E have a point apiece. Guinea Bissau host Congo Brazzaville on September 5.
“We don’t have to start calculations at the last minute. We have to start collecting maximum points. We will not underrate Kenya, we respect them but we have to collect full points,” Chisamba said.
Chisamba is expected in camp next week.
And team doctor Joseph Kabungo said all the players in camp except midfielder Kelvin Mubanga are injury-free.
Kabungo said Mubanga is still undergoing rehabilitation from the injury he suffered during the Africa Under-23 Championship qualifier against Ivory Coast early this month.
On Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, Kabungo said he was waiting for a report from the club while Mufulira Wanderers midfielder Jacob Ngulube’s ankle injury is being monitored by club medics.
“I opted for him to stay in Mufulira and be monitored by the club,” he said.