By MICHAEL MIYOBA
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says the scouring for players of Zambian heritage in foreign leagues is not a straight forward process.
Kamanga disclosed that FAZ had to back off from pursuing some players of Zambian heritage who have attracted public attention but are not willing to switch allegiance.
Kamanga is however confident that the next Chipolopolo coach will be equal to the task of scouring for players of Zambian heritage in foreign leagues.
Kamanga said the association has been quietly pursuing a few players and it hopes to finalise the process soon after taking care of the league requirements that go with switching allegiance.
Kamanga is hopeful that the new Chipolopolo coach will make the best out of local and foreign players in building a strong squad.
“We have no doubt that the next coach will be able to meet our expectations that will have the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification as a key benchmark.
“Our country is replete with so much talent as demonstrated by the success of the junior teams,” Kamanga said.
“Domestically, we can also take pride in some strides our local players are making in our league confirming the MTN Super League as being among the top in Africa.”
Kamanga is confident that the Chipolopolo who missed out on the 2022 World Cup and AFCON tournaments will get back their groove given the rounded approach to football management that has the grassroots at the core of the association’s strategic plan.
The FAZ chief is proud of the tremendous steps made by Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu who made their break through into the English Premier League while striker Fashion Sakala secured a move to Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers.
Kamanga said the form of players like Edward Chilufya and Emmanuel Banda who plays for Swedish giants Djurgardens and Klings Kangwa and his brother Evans who both play for Arsenal Tula in Russia gives the association belief the Chipolopolo will develop into a strong force.
Kamanga said as a country we have other players doing very well on the African continent like in South Africa where Augustine Mulenga, Toaster Nsabata, Gamphani Lungu while Clatous Chama and Tandi Mwape are all doing well in Morocco Congo DR respectively.
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