US-based Mwape eyes Chipolopolo call up

MICHAEL MIYOBA writes US-BASED Zambian international midfield genius Mutaya Mwape says his aim is to work hard at his USL League 1 outfit Richmond Strikers FC to attract national team recognition. In an interview Mwape said representing the Zambia National Soccer team at the highest level would be a dream come true for him as a soccer player who grew up dreaming of play for the Chipolopolo while playing football in the dusty pitches of Lusaka. Mwape said he would give his best given the opportunity to play for Zambia alongside players such as Enock Mwepu, Parson Daka. Mwape who played for Chiparamba, Young Zanaco and Lutanda Academies in Lusaka before trekking to the US as a 14 year old in 2011 said it has always been his dream to feature for the Chipolopolo side. He said he is always working hard at Kickers to be able to attract a national team call up which would give him the opportunity to dawn the Chipolopolo jersey. “I would be happy given the chance to play for the national team because it has always been my dream. It’s been difficulty in the past because of challenges with traveling but given the opportunity, I can fight hard to compete if called upon to represent the country at national team level,” Mwape said. “My goal is to first work hard and do well at my club because as you know hard work pays so I always want to give my best,” he said.  Mwape who contributed an assist for the Richmond Kickers side that recorded a 2-1 victory in their USL League 1 encounter against FC Tucson recently said there is stiff competition in USL League 1 as teams and players fight hard to improve the game.  Meanwhile, Mwape a follower of FAZ Super League sides Power Dynamos and Red Arrows bemoaned the rate at which young players in Zambia engage in unproductive activities which kill their football careers. He said it is unfortunate that a lot of his talented friends gave up on soccer because of bad influences. The Sun