Micho invades Mzansi armed with copper bullets!
Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic plans in invasion of South Africa where he hopes to make a statement at the end of an international friendly match between Zambia and Bafana Bafana in Rustenburg on October 13.
The Chipolopolo coach is taking advantage of the FIFA week by fine tuning his squad for the crucial upcoming back-to-back AFCON 2021 fixtures against Botswana to play three friendly games against Malawi, Kenya and South Africa.
Micho has gone on an extensive nation-wide search for talent where he selected 80 players that were trimmed to 40 and finally down to 24 on Sunday October 4 at the Nkoloma Stadium.
The 24 players would be mixed with 13 foreign-based players for the final squad that would face Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.
“We shall make a competitive squad where in the first match against Malawi we are planning on giving a chance mostly to the local based players and some of the players playing outside that we have not seen enough.”
The Serbian Wolf said he was confident that the three friendly matches lined up during the FIFA window period will be used to refine and fine-tune the Chipolopolo.
“We are going with the combined squad to Kenya,” said Micho. “In the first two matches against Kenya and Malawi, we want to see what the players have to offer before we decide on the team against Bafana Bafana to see where we are and which direction we are going,” he said.
Micho also hinted that together with his technical staff they are looking at throwing in a bonus friendly against any of the top three DStv Premiership clubs – Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates.
“In the squad that will go to Kenya and to South Africa whoever will not be able to play against Bafana, we are looking for one high profile friendly match with one of the top clubs in South Africa Kaizer Chief, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns so that everyone gets the mileage in their legs,” he said.
But there is no doubt that Augustine Shonga, who has fallen way down the pecking order at Orlando Pirates, would be looking at opportunity for redemption against Bafana should he be included in the squad.
Micho has thanked the local coaches for their duty in keeping the players in top shape whilst off national duty and domestic competition due to the Corona virus pandemic that has halted sporting activities on a global scale.
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