Why Kalaba was dropped – Beaumelle

The TP Mazembe midfielder was not part of Beaumelle’s 23-member team announced last Friday for the November 14 game in Cairo after he was dropped on disciplinary grounds.

“We have to be proud to wear the jersey I know Rainford is proud to wear the jersey but I have to show a good example to the guys,” Beaumelle said.

“Rainford is a very good player, he is still part of my plan but I repeat we have to serve Chipolopolo.”

Kalaba and two of his Mazembe compatriots were embroiled in an ugly club-versus-country row prior to Zambia’s October 15 friendly away to Brazil played in China.

The midfielder, Nathan Sinkala and Stopilla Sunzu were all said to be either sick or nursing injury by Mazembe.

Mazembe blocked the trio from travelling to Beijing to be examined before they allegedly illegally crossed the border back to their DR Congo base after speculation that their passports would be withdrawn by Zambian immigration.

The trio was later found with no case to answer after handing themselves over to immigration authorities who later issued them with warn and caution statements.

However, Kalaba questioned why heavy handed tactics were used on them for merely missing the friendly.

And while Kalaba has been omitted, Sunzu and Sinkala have been recalled for the friendly.