Patrick Phiri has named five new call-ups to the Zambia national team that will play Botswana in an international friendly away on Saturday July 21.
The five new faces in the team include Zambia Under 17 left-sided midfielder Tom Bakala, young brother of the Angolan-based playmaker Ian Bakala.
The young Bakala is the first player from Wedson Nyirenda’s Under 17 national team to leap straight into the senior team.
Bakala got Phiri’s nod after some impressive displays for Dynamos this season.
Other new call-ups are Roan United goalkeeper Makasa Mufwaya and Young Arrows midfielder Kruger Mwansa.
Phiri has also called-up little-known Mufulira Wanderers left winger Allan Mukuka.
Bakala’s Dynamos club mate and defender Gilbert Kalusa also gets a chance to receive his first cap this weekend away to Botswana.
Phiri has also handed recalls to two players.
Power Dynamos striker Elson Mukandawire returns a year after receiving his first and last cap came against Botswana on May 14, 2006 in a 0-0 draw played in Gaborone but was decided on post-match penalties that the Zebra’s won 5-4.
Also back is Roan striker Ben Mwanza who returns to the fold after a three-year hiatus.
Defender Clive Hachilensa of South African club Free State Stars is the only foreign-based player in the team.
Regular call-up Zanaco striker Ignatius Lwipa has been over looked after a rather poor season this year.
And returning for a possible third cap is Zesco United’s prolific striker Enoch Sakala who has scored 8 goals for the current league leaders this season.
Phiri has for the time being resisted calling up any of the Under 20 players who impressed at the Fifa Under 20 World Cup to give them a breather after being away from home for the last two and a half months.
The team gathers in Lusaka tomorrow Wednesday and leaves for Botswana on Friday on a charter flight for the all-expenses paid for friendly match.
TEAM:
Goalkeepers: George Kolala (Zanaco), Makasa Mufwaya (Roan United).
Defenders: Willy Chinyama (Zesco United), Evans Chisulo, Kennedy Nkethani (Both Zanaco), Clive Hachilensa (Free State Stars, South Africa), Patrick Masosa (Green Buffaloes), Gilbert Kalusa (Lusaka Dynamos).
Midfielders: Tom Bakala (Lusaka Dynamos), Jack Chileshe, Lameck Njovu (Both Zanaco), Kruger Mwansa (Young Arrows), Allan Mukuka (Mufulira Wanderers), Mark Sinyangwe (Nkana FC).
Strikers: Enoch Sakala, Jonah Sakuwaha (Both Zesco United), Elson Mukandawire (Power Dynamos), Ben Mwanza (Roan United).
