ROBINSON KUNDA, Lusaka
NATIONAL team skipper Rainford Kalaba has urged young players to overcome stage fright during international matches.
And outgoing national team coach Honour Janza said the Chipolopolo will not be carried away with Sunday’s 2-0 win over Rwanda in an international friendly.
Kalaba said in an interview in Lusaka on Sunday that playing in front of huge crowds can be frightening to young players.
“I know some of these young players were not themselves in the game so I kept on talking to them telling them to be strong. We need to encourage them,” said Kalaba, who contributed a goal alongside midfielder Allan Mukuka an National Heroes Stadium.
Some players that Janza handed first caps included under -20 defender Boyd Mkandawire and under-23 defender Billy Mutale.
Kalaba was impressed with the performance of the team.
He said the team is determined to make history by qualifying for the maiden World Cup.
The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia.
And Janza said the team will remain focused for future assignments.
“Going forward we will re -correct ourselves. The results that we are getting are good for tomorrow but we cannot sleep over them,” he said.
Janza said Rwanda are as good as Nigeria or Ghana and beating them was not an easy task.
Meanwhile, Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry is disappointed with the defeat.
McKinstry said the Chipolopolo are difficult opponents.
“I have just been with the team for one week. This game was important it has helped me to see the players. I think we have a good team and most of the players are young,” the 29-year old said.