The prodigal sons return for Zambia on Wednesday evening in Manzini when Dario Bonetti’s side plays its first international match in 2011 in a friendly away to Swaziland.

Golden Arrows striker Collins Mbesuma and Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Clifford Mulenga once touted as the future of Zambian football have along the way either suffered from poor form or out of favor with both club and country.

The two South African-based players return to the Zambia fold a year after their last call-ups when they were both part of Herve Renard’s team at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola.

Bonetti has decided to take a gamble with both players who current enjoy some modest club form as they take this opportunity offered by the Italian with both hands to try to revive their still young international careers.

And Swaziland has a very special place in Mbesuma’s heart against whom he scored his first senior brace in a 3-0 win in the 2005 Cosafa Castle Cup mini-tournament at Woodlands Stadium.

Meanwhile, Bonetti will be looking to start the year on a good note after the end-of-year debacle on December 31 in Cairo when Zambia were thumped 4-0 by Kuwait who went on to suffer a first round winless exit at 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar last month.

Moreover, Bonetti has not tasted victory with Zambia in their last two international matches after earlier losing 1-0 away to Libya in their 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifier in October.

So like Mbesuma and Mulenga, Bonetti is in need of a redemption song on Wednesday evening in Manzini.

8 COMMENTS

BBC February 8, 2011 At 9:00 pm

There is still hope for redemption.
One Zmk was equall to One British pound February 8, 2011 At 9:35 pm

Ba Mbesuma baliipwisha abene. Such a talented player spoiled his career becoz of being thick headed.
NAPAPA SANA!!!!!! February 9, 2011 At 12:00 am

What does “Prodigal”?
Nathan February 9, 2011 At 7:33 am

mbesuma is still a good player he just needed help and surport from everyone coz he had alot of money at a tender age and we o know what can do. May God help such a talented young boy
Moono Chanda February 9, 2011 At 7:54 am

Mbesuma is getting back to his old form. I watched him during PSL game on against Free State. He was good but he needs a good striking partner, those players at Godern Arrows are not in Mbesuma’s class.
deuce deuce February 9, 2011 At 6:10 pm

by kuwait!!!!…cmon man lol
Angel Gabriel February 10, 2011 At 12:33 am

Congrats Chipolopolo 4 – 0
Kanjimaano February 10, 2011 At 9:05 pm

Nothing to celebrate cos these guys never shine when playing against big names. Especial when it comes to facing those above the equator they become underdogs.