Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda rues lack of preparation for CHAN 2018

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Jan 17, 2018. 09:30

As they prepare to face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda has rued their poor preparation ahead of the 2018 CAF African Nations Championship.

The tournament for local-based players is currently staged in Morocco and the Chipolopolo coach believes their preparation was not up to the grade.

Nyirenda lamented the gamble of going to the 2018 CHAN without any serious friendlies, but is hugely relieved that his men showed character against the Cranes of Uganda on Sunday.

Zambia were left to play two training games against a division two team in Lusaka and against against Orlando Pirates whom they beat 3-1 in Johannesburg.

“It is not easy for any player or team to come into this competition without playing any competitive match. This is what has really shown for our team,” Nyirenda said.

“Going into other tournaments, this is a good lesson for us when we say we need test matches. They should be done.

“I have always believed in what I say, you plan and program and when the preparations come, follow the program. The program is held by the plan.

“If you don’t follow those things and you lose, at the end of the day the coach will be the one to blame.” CLICK HERE TO VISIT AFRICAN FOOTBALL ZAMBIA