Zanaco coach begs FAZ to excuse players for U20 WC camp

Emmanuel Banda of Zambia challenged by Abdoul karim Dante of Mali during the 2017 Total Zambia U-20 African Cup of Nations match between Mali and Zambia at Heroes National Stadium, Lusaka Zambia on 01 March 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Apr 20, 2017. 15:30

Zanaco coach Munamba Munamba has urged the Zambian U20 technical team to excuse their players Mangani Banda and Boyd Musonda from camp.

Reports indicate that the Bankers are focusing on the 2017 CAF Champions League group stages and cannot afford to lose the duo.

However, the U20 coach Beston Chambeshi said Banda and Musonda will remain with Zanaco until Friday as the junior Chipolopolo are preparing for the 2017 South Korea FIFA World Cup coming up next month.

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Chambeshi's men will battle it out against Costa Rica, Iran and Portugal in Group C and it is mentioned that the junior African champions will leave for intensive training in Spain on Sunday.

“I spoke with Zanaco coach [Mumamba Numba], they have asked for their players to be excused from camp for now as they prepare for the CAF Champions League group stage,” said Chambeshi to the Daily Mail website.

“They need the players to be together but I expect them to join us [in camp] by Friday.”

Meanwhile, Napsa Stars midfielder Enock Mwepu was scheduled to join camp later on Wednesday, but Chambeshi said under-20 players will not be released to feature for their respective clubs this weekend.

United States of America-based midfielder Peter Mashikini is also expected to join camp this week whilst midfielder, Edward Chilufya returned from Sweden on Wednesday.
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