Absa Cup Golden Boot Winner Ricky Banda Joins Chipolopolo
In a significant development, Absa Cup Golden Boot winner Ricky Banda has been named in the Chipolopolo provisional squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Morocco on June 7th. The Red Arrows forward’s inclusion brings the total number of players in camp to 28, with five set to be trimmed as per CAF regulations, reducing the squad to the final 23 members.
Banda’s remarkable form has not gone unnoticed, drawing interest from Tanzanian giants Simba SC. Despite his impressive performances, it is widely speculated that he may not make the final cut. Coach Avram Grant has consistently favored foreign-based players, often citing the higher standards and superior training facilities available in Europe as critical factors for player selection.
Among those expected to be dropped are:
1. Ricky Banda – Despite his excellent season, he faces stiff competition from established foreign-based strikers.
2. Victor Chabu – The Nchanga Rangers goalkeeper has had a stellar season but lacks national team experience.
3. Joshua Mutale – Considered more suited for the COSAFA Cup, Mutale’s playing style does not align with Grant’s system.
4. Abraham Siankombo – Faces tough competition from Edward Chilufya and Evans Kangwa, making his inclusion less likely.
5. Luka Banda – The decision here may come down to experience, with Kabaso Chongo likely preferred due to his numerous caps and national team appearances.
The Chipolopolo’s road to the World Cup is a challenging one, with back-to-back encounters against Morocco and Tanzania. Following their away match on June 7th, they will host Tanzania at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 11th.
CAF has announced that the kick-off for the Tanzania match will be at 15:00 local time. However, this timing has raised concerns among soccer fans, as it falls during working hours, potentially affecting attendance and gate revenue. Fans are requesting that the match be rescheduled to 18:00 to allow more supporters to attend and ensure robust support for the national team.
As the Chipolopolo prepare for these critical fixtures, the anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The final squad announcement by Coach Avram Grant will be closely watched, as Zambia aims to make a historic push towards their first-ever World Cup qualification.
