Sichone says Zambia will face South Africa in friendly like Cup final

Zambia national team head coach Moses Sichone has promised to defeat South Africa in their friendly match slated for South Africa on Thursday.

According to Sichone, who replaced Avram Grant, Zambia will take the game against Bafana Bafana with a lot of seriousness.

“Every game is important. As a technical bench, we are taking this game as if it is a cup final. So, over South Africa, we know that they have underrated us,” Sichone told FAZ Media.

“I have been reading some comments which are coming from South Africa. They wanted to play Brazil, but for us, we take it as it comes. So we are taking this game very seriously and we hope to go and get a positive result.”

Sichone keeps door open for more players

Sichone further said he will keep the door open for top performing players whether local plying their trade abroad.

“The door is still open. I mean, players who are doing well in the local league, they still stand a chance, so we are trying to balance the team with the old players and everyone.

“So as long as they are Zambians, like I said, the door is open for everyone. All we want is guys who are ready, who are ready to die for the country, who are ready to show their talent.”

Sichone calls for patience with young players

The former FC Cologne, Alem Aachen and Kickers Offenbach defender pleaded for fans to be patient with the younger players as they take up the Chipolopolo shirt.

“We have got young players. So, if people are criticizing what we are doing, then the boys get that, they cannot perform. This generation is totally different from where we are coming from. So let’s support them,” he said.

“Well I have been in football for a long time. Of course, coming as a former football player and then going into coaching. I think the most important thing is I am grateful to have this opportunity,” he says.

“I think it’s not just a matter of proving a point or what. I know this is not a club. I am representing the entire 20 million people plus. So the only thing I need is support from everyone. Of course, I know there have been critics coming left and right. But for me, those things I encountered when I was still a player.”

Zambia will face South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth as part of the Chipolopolo’s preparation for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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