Lwandamina picks 13 pros

NATIONAL team coach George Lwandamina has selected 13 foreign-based players for the decisive 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya.

 

And China-based striker Jacob Mulenga(right) is not in the right frame of mind to feature for the Chipolopolo on September 6 in Nairobi.
Lwandamina has drafted the Israel-based duo of defender Emmanuel Mbola and striker Evans Kangwa, midfielder Kondwani Mtonga of Indian side North East, Morocco-based defender Aaron Katebe and midfielder Lubambo Musonda of Armenian side Gandzasar Kapan.

 

Other foreign-based stars are Kennedy Mweene, Collins Mbesuma, Nathan Sinkala, Rainford Kalaba, Chisamba Lungu, Kabaso Chongo, Stopilla Sunzu and Ronald Kampamba.
Team manager Lusekelo Kamwambi, who released the list in Lusaka yesterday, said Mulenga has excused himself from national duty.
Kamwambi, however, said Mulenga will be considered in future.
“We always contact players before they are named in the squad. I contacted Jacob and he told me he is not 100 percent in the right frame to play for the national team. Contrary to reports that he gave conditions.

 

He is still part of the team and will be considered in future only that he is not ready this time around,” he said.
Mulenga in a text message to Kamwambi said: “I have a lot of respect for George Lwandamina [coach]. That is why I have said it before anything is officially announced.”

 

And Kamwambi said Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and Mufulira Wanderers midfielder Jacob Ngulube are not in camp.
Twenty one local players regrouped in Lusaka on Sunday to continue with preparations for the Kenya clash.

 

“Toaster had an injury at the weekend but we are expecting him this afternoon [yesterday]. There is no reason advanced for Ngulube,” Kamwambi said.
He said the team is expected to break camp on Thursday and only players that will be considered for the outing to Kenya will regroup on Sunday.