Musonda feeling positive

By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national soccer team defender Frankie Musonda says the Chopolopolo boys are feeling positive and working hard to be able to give Zambians a win during Saturday’s crucial 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast set for the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Musonda who features for Scottish Championship club Ayr United said the Chipolopolo boys will need to compete against Ivory Coast who are not going to be easy opponents.
“We are working hard. We are putting in a lot of hours into preparing for this game, it is going to be a tough game one we really need to compete in and do well,” Musonda said.
“The team and everyone is feeling very positive we will have the fans behind us and hopefully we can get a win for Zambia on Saturday,” he said.
The 25-year-old defender said he was looking forward to play in front of the home fans who are also looking forward to see the boys break the jinx of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last three editions.
“It is always good to get back into the team and meet up with old faces and again I’m excited to comeback and play at home. I don’t get to see the fans often so when I come it is always a great experience and it will be good to see them on Saturday,” he said.
Musonda, who was born from an English mom and a Zambian father said playing in front of the cheering home fans will always be special for him as he also gets a chance to unite with his Zambian family.
Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo have set up base in Ndola for the final stage of preparations for Saturday’s Group H Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Coach Avram Grant’s charges touched down at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport at 12:30 hours yesterday after a weeklong retreat-like camp in South Africa.