Zambia have left out skipper Rainford Kalaba for the World Cup qualifier in Nigeria as coach Wedson Nyirenda picked 10 overseas-based professionals for the October 7 cracker in Uyo.
Kalaba missed the home game against Algeria earlier this month due to booking suspension. However, he has been at crossroads with coach Nyirenda.
The coach defended the exclusion of Kalaba and midfielder Nathan Sinkala: “They are Zambia players and the door has always been open for every other players, but for this encounter we have chosen these 23, that is what we feel we will use, they will be called in the future.”
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene will therefore continue as captain and will lead the foreign legion.
The pros are Stoppilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Chisamba Lugu (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens, Sweden), Enock Mwepu (FC Liefering, Austria), Emmanuel Banda (KV Oostende, Belgium) and Roderick Kabwe (Cape Town Ajax, South Africa).
All the strikers are also playing abroad – Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria)
The country’s hottest striker this year, Brian Mwila, has been included on the squad even though he has been nursing a right knee injury from the home game against Algeria.
The 23-man Chipolopolo squad is expected in Nigeria on Wednesday.
