ZAMBIA’S preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Uganda got into full swing yesterday with almost a full house of the Chipolopolo squad taking part in rigorous training sessions at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
With just four days before the Chipolopolo effectively begin the AFCON title defence, coach Herve Renard got a timely boost as 22 of the 24 players called up for the Uganda assignment attended two intensive training programmes yesterday.
Skipper Christopher Katongo with other 2012 AFCON stars Isaac Chansa, James Chamanga, Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala, Stoppila Sunzu, Hichani Himoonde, Noah Chivuta, Chisamba Lungu, Francis Kasonde and Kennedy Mweene joined their 11 colleagues, who kick-started the residential camp on Monday, in yesterday’s sessions.
England-based striker Emmanuel Mayuka and defender Emmanuel Mbola from Portugal jetted into Lusaka yesterday and were expected to link up with the rest of the squad in Ndola later.
Sinkala, who recently recovered from an eye infection, looked sharp in training alongside most of the players as the squad intensified its preparatory programme.
In the morning training session, Sinkala, the 2012 AFCON revelation and defender Davies Nkausu wore the newly-acquired high-tech GP Sports vests which monitor the distance covered by an individual player.
Striker Jacob Mulenga and Katongo also wore the GP Sports vests in the afternoon.
Himoonde believes Zambia was capable of handling the pressure at home against Uganda because the team had matured enough after winning the continental championship this year.
The DR Congo’s TP Mazembe defender, however, predicted a tough game but that the Chipolopolo needed to concentrate.
“There is pressure but we are the champions and we have to handle that pressure,” Himoonde told MTNFootball.com.
And adding more impetus to the squad’s cause, a Kitwe-based company, Amazon Security donated K5 million to take care of the Chipolopolo’s refreshments during training for the Uganda match.
Amazon managing director, Chabu Kibombwe said his firm felt duty-bound to partner with the Chipolopolo as they begin preparing for their AFCON title defence.
Kibombwe said for the team to succeed, there was need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
Team manager, Lusekelo Kamwambi thanked Amazon for the donation, saying doors were still open for other well-wishers to come on board and offer positive support to the Chipolopolo.
Lusaka City Council is expected to confer the freemen of the city status on the AFCON winning squad on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Uganda coach Bobby Williamson believes the Cranes’ fate in the 2013 AFCON will be decided in next month’s return leg against the Chipolopolo.
Williamson took a cautious approach towards the two-legged fixtures against Zambia and pleaded with the Ugandan media: “If we don’t do well in Ndola, please don’t go overboard. As I said the game will be won and lost in Kampala. And if we’ve done well in Ndola, please don’t hype our players too much. They might become complacent.”
The Scot promised to assemble a solid team, especially at the back, albeit aware of the strength of the African champions.
Zambia will face Uganda this weekend at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in the first leg of the final round of the 2013 AFCON with the return fixture set for October 10 in Kampala.
Nsoms Media House 