JUDGMENT AWAITS:

FRANKLYN MALAMBO writes @SunZambiaEVEN when requirements and targets are well spelt out, certain tasks still remain a difficult undertaking owing to their gravity. Chipolopolo’s next assignments can be likened to such.Meeting Botswana in back to back fixtures starting with the home leg at National Heroes Stadium tomorrow and an away tie four days later turn the next five days make or break in this qualifying campaign.The permutations are simple, win both and get right back into business, but the task is not as easy as mentioning the first four letters of the Alphabet.While the selection of players raised some concerns, injuries and other matters also biting in, fate is firmly in the hands of the coach and the players in whom he has decided to place his confidence and subsequently carry the hope of an entire nation.In any qualifying campaign played out on home and away basis, the first step to attaining qualification has always been to win home matches and build upon the same.Having already failed to do this in the first home game against Zimbabwe, a chance for redemption is presented and must be grabbed with both hands, possibly feet too.What then do Chipolopolo have to do and how must they go about boosting their chances of leaving the basement of the group, stamp their authority on Botswana and ultimately grab the match needed points? Here I take a brief look at what could bring a green patch.First things first, there must be clarity of thought on what exactly has to be done on the day. Game planning, roles to be executed and requirements in all game situations must be well spelt out. There can be no room for error, everyone in this mission must know their job description.All must be switched on. Additionally, collective belief will also form part of the winning formula.Coming from two losses in the qualifying campaign, it’s easy to doubt self and much harder to believe in self or even collective. These players will have to dust themselves up and see a new opportunity presented by these fixtures even as they summon the same positive energy they did in the friendly series during the last FIFA break.They must believe it can be done.In past matches, a few players didn’t really look up for it and seemed not willing to offer their all. How sad for an international player. That aside, there will be need for personal commitment and selflessness.For any team to thrive, individuals must be committed to the cause and give it all they can. When the stakes are high, fans and all sympathizers can’t ask for much than this really.Further, selflessness which is purely playing for each other will be another key and pillar to stand on. The essence of a good team is recognizing the weaknesses of each other as well as strengths to complement each other and get the balance right.Chipolopolo must die a little for the team and the masses. In all this, the pressure to perform and win will be high hence the need for positive response to pressure. The magnitude of the task cannot be over emphasized and without handling the pressure well, it could all unravel before our eyes.To make it, there must be positive response to the pressure and turn it into fuel to propel victory.Good luck and over to you, choose ye now your fate Chipolopolo. The Sun