JANZA URGES MENTAL STRENGTH
…Chipolopolo should focus and mentality at CHAN
By Cecilia Nayame
FORMER Zambia national team coach Honour Janza has urged the Chipolopolo to focus on mentality and discipline ahead on the African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for next month.
Janza said in an interview yesterday that talent alone does not win matches hence the need for the players to remain focused.
He said it was important for the team to prepare adequately for the tournament that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
“It is the work rate, teamwork and attitude when things don’t go your way. By doing that, it will carry you through to win the championship…it is important for the team to stay focused,” Janza said.
He urged the team to treat CHAN as a redemption after a poor performance at the recently held Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) in South Africa where the team got eliminated in the first round of the tournament.
“We must use the pain of COSAFA (Council of Southern African Football Association) as fuel to come back sharper, tougher and more unified,” he said.
Janza said the team had what it takes to rebrand itself and perform well during the CHAN tournament set for Augusta 2 to August 30, 2025.
He said with adequate preparation nothing was impossible.
“Treat CHAN and the AFCON like redemption. CHAN must be used as a chance to flip the narrative (bad performance),” Janza said.
Coach Avram Grant has named a 32 member provisional squad.
The team resumed local training yesterday to prepare for the tournament.
Zambia will be making its fifth appearance at the CHAN with its best finish being the 2009 edition where the team minted bronze.
The Chipolopolo previous appearances were in 2009, 2016, 2018 and 2020.
They will kick off their Group A campaign with a match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on August 7 before engaging Angola three days later.
The third tournament will see Zambia renew its rivalry with Morocco on August 14 before winding up their group matches with Kenya three days later.
The CHAN tournament will be spread across the three nations.
