The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has rolled out a preparation programme for the African champions that will see locally based players set up for intensive training camps locally and abroad.
The programme will include international friendlies against Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Norway and other yet to be confirmed teams.
In a media statement made available on Friday, FAZ Spokesperson Erick Mwanza said the Football Association of Zambia will set into motion excellent Nations Cup preparations which will get the Chipolopolo ready for the defence of the title at the 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations finals.
A local pre-selection camp commences Sunday 25th November 2012 with an assemblage of 24 players. This first phase training comprises mainly local players who will undergo intensive sessions on the Copperbelt.
At the end of the camp, African champion coach Herve Renard will name his provisional squad for the final Africa Cup preparatory camps.
“This home camp is very important. It is the bedrock and foundation on which preparations for the Zambia National Soccer Team will be launched. The camp provides an excellent and unrivalled platform for local players and others to undergo the rigours of African championship training, thereby staking their claims for consideration in the Chipolopolo Nations Cup provisional squad,” read the statement.
“Over and above the local camp, the programme of preparation for the finals, as stated consistently, is all set. We have lined up a number of games to help the technical staff make continuous assessment of the players’ readiness and overall team preparedness. As we proceed and make any adjustments, we shall inform our partners and stakeholders and the nation accordingly,” said Mwanza.
“We have Tanzania on the 23rd of December, Morocco on the 8th of January 2013 and Norway on the 12th of January. We are also concluding other training matches which maybe against Namibia, Saudi Arabia as well as other teams. We’re applying the skills and experience of the success of the camps of 2010, 2012 and consistent highly professional work ethics which are important for our football.”
“The match against Morocco will precede the naming of the final 23-man squad and submission of the same to CAF by Football House. Therefore, the game against Norway at Levy Mwanawasa will involve the final 23 who will compete at SA2013 for the defence of our African crown,” Mwanza said.
“The President of the Football Association of Zambia, Executive Committee, Herve Renard and Technical Staff would like to express their gratitude to all fans and stakeholders for their continued support to the Association and team. With this highest level of preparation, the team will be ready for the opening match against Ethiopia on 21st January and thereafter the challenge of every subsequent game,” the FAZ spokesman said.
The full squad called to camp on Sunday:
Danny Munyau, Joshua Titima, Luciano Sandro Pasquini, Davy Kaumbwa, Jimmy Chisenga, Chishimba Changala, Salulani Phiri, Rodrick Kabwe, Thomas Nyirenda, Joseph Sitali, Shadreck Malambo, Mukuka Mulenga, Kennedy Mudenda, Bruce Musakanya, Musonda Lubambo, Kangwa Chileshe, Chintu Kampamba, Evans Kangwa, Moses Phiri, Lewis Macha, Ronald Kampamba, Alex Ngonga, Aaron Katebe and Chisamba Lungu.
