Makembo guides Olympics bound athletes

SUN SPORT writes ZAMBIA Sports Fans Association Patron Peter Makembo has called on the Zambia national soccer team and the Olympic bound athletes to prepare adequately for their assignments for Zambia to achieve its set objectives. Speaking in an interview, Makembo urged the Zambia National team to begin preparations for the 2022 Afcon qualifiers set to resume in November. Zambia resumes the Afcon qualifiers with back to back fixtures against Botswana in November before meeting Zimbabwe and Algeria in the final two qualifying fixtures. Makembo said there is need for the Chipolopolo to begin preparations now to achieve their target of qualifying for the Afcon after missing out at the last two edition of the continental showpiece. He said early preparations will also work to National team coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s advantage because he will be able to come up with a team which will compete at the Championship of African Nations CHAN tournament set for January 2021 in Cameroon. “CAF has announced the new dates for the Afcon qualifiers, therefore we have start preparations early for the coach to identify which players are fit to represent the country when the qualifiers begin. “As a country we have very good players but if we are not careful we may struggle against Botswana when the qualifiers begin so we need start now,” Makembo said. Makembo has also urged Olympic bound teams to remain focused as train from home for the crucial Olympic Games which were pushed to next year. He said it is unfortunate that athletes have been compelled to train from home because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Makembo said athletes should not be discouraged because the pandemic has not only affected them alone, but all athletes across the globe. Meanwhile, Makembo has reaffirmed his association’s commitment to support all teams representing the country at deferent national assignments. The Sun