U-17 Boys World Cup: Makinka pronounces Zambia ready for Qatar test

Zambia U-17 Boys national team coach Dennis Makinka has declared his charges ready for the U-17 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in November.

Makinka said this after watching the team beat New Caledonia 3-0 in a friendly match on Wednesday at the Police Sports and Shooting Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Abel Nyirongo, Jonathan Kailimina, and Billy Daka scored the goals for Zambia.

“The boys are really showing the character… they pushed so much that although we need to work on finishing, we are creating a lot of chances,” he said. “We are able to see that the team is ready now, everyone, even those that came in gave a good show.”

This was the second preparatory match ahead of the World Cup. Before this game, Zambia beat Mexico 3-1. Makinka hailed FAZ for facilitating a good training camp for the team ahead of the World Cup.

Zambia have been drawn in Group H

Makinka’s counterpart Lopez Leonard has tipped Zambia to make it past the group stage of the World Cup. “It is a great opportunity for us to play a big team like Zambia,” Leonard said, “i think this team can fight for the next [stage] of the group became it is a strong team.”

He added the aim is to do the nation proud: “They [fans] should expect good games, we just have to assure them that the future is bright, I see a lot of good players and we have so many talented players. We promise them good results.”

Meanwhile, Zambia midfielder Lukonde Mwale said the team is shaping up well. “It was a good game, we have learned a lot from this game, and I believe that with this game and more training, we are going to bring good results back home.”

Zambia have been drawn in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia. The Junior Chipolopolo will open their campaign against Indonesia on November 4, face Honduras three days later, and conclude the group stage with a tough clash against Brazil on November 10.