CHIPOLOPOLO coach Avram Grant has failed to give a concrete reason as to why Chipolopolo striker Fashion Sakala has been left out in the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Chad saying in his 51 years of coaching, he never talks about omitted players.
This came to light after Grant was asked why he didn’t include Sakala in the upcoming game.
In response, Grant revealed that it was against his culture to talk about players that were not in the squad.
“I concentrate on players who are in the squad, they did a good job. Speaking about players who are not in the squad, you need to show respect to players who are in the squad now,” said Grant.
“Out of my regulation in my 51 years of being a coach I never spoke about players. I will not talk about players who are not here, I believe on standards and values on the pitch.”
Speaking when he unveiled the Squad yesterday, the coach noted that all the players that have been named in the squad deserve to be there saying that anyone who shows disrespect cannot be part of the team.
Grant named his squad to shape up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifier against Chad yesterday where he left out Sakala.
The national team striker has fallen out of favour with his coach as he has not received a call up since January during AfCON.
Zambia will host Chad on October 11, 2024 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the first leg and the second leg is scheduled for October 15, 2024.
The 26 member Provisional Squad for the upcoming fixture include Frankie Musonda who was sidelined due to Injury, Lawrence Mulenga ,Toaster Nsabata ,Victor Chabu, Francis Mwansa.
Others include Stopilla Sunzu, Gift Mphande, Benedict Chepeshi, Kabaso Chongo, Tandi Mwape, Peter Kalota, David Bulaya, Miguel Chaiwa, Obinno Chisala, Benson Sakala, Kings Kangwa, Lubambo Musonda, Clatous Chama, Lameck Banda, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Kelvin Kampamba, Kennedy Musonda, Francisco Mwepu, Jimmy Mukeya, Edward Chilufya and Songa Chipyoka.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 3, 2024
 qualifiers against Chad saying in his 51 years of coaching, he never talks about omitted players.){kind=link}