DAKA, MWEPU INSPIRING NEXT STARS - MICHO …as FAZ launch goalkeepers’ course
ZAMBIA national team coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has hailed the Red Bull Salzburg duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu for being crucial in inspiring the next generation of Chipolopolo stars.
In an interview, “Micho” said the impressive exploits of Daka and Mwepu in the Austrian Bundesliga will motivate themselves and other players to replicate their performance when playing for the national team.
“When the bench marks are set by Daka being voted best player of the season after contributing to winning the league in Austria, that is special and motivating to the rest of the players and we want to build a unique winning spirit in the Chipolopolo that will help us in the team to replicate the same kind of achievements,” “Micho” said.
The Serbian however cautioned the duo not to relax because of the accolades they are winning but work hard to achieve more great things. “Micho” also urged talented young players wishing to represent Zambia at the highest level to emulate Daka and Mwepu by showcasing and exposing their talents.
Meanwhile the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has launched the goalkeeping training course aimed at empowering goal keeper coaches from Super Division teams with modern skills.
During the launch in Lusaka yesterday. FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said FAZ remains committed to implementing numerous programs aimed at developing the Zambian game.
“My executive committee has placed football development at the core of our football agenda. In everything we do we are responsive to the cry of the football fraternity.
“We are mindful that we can’t have good goal keepers without good training hence the initiative to have goal keeping coaches training which is the first in a number of series of coaches training we are going to embark on,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga said the association will establish a coaching school which will be set up with the help from the Croatian Football Federation.
And FAZ technical director Lyson Zulu who is one of the trainer of trainers involved in mentoring goal keepers’ coaches in Zambia said the course is critical as it will help coaches identify, train and manage potential goalkeepers to represent Zambia at the 2030 World Cup. Over 30 coaches participated in the course which officially opened in Lusaka and will be extended to coaches based in Central and Copperbelt provinces.