NO PRESSURE
…Chipolopolo debut excites golden boot winner Ricky Banda
MTN/FAZ Super Leagues’ golden boot winner for the 2021/22 season, Ricky Banda, says he is not under pressure to deliver at national team level after he was handed a maiden appearance in the Chipolopolo squad by National team coach, Aljosa Asanovic.
Banda is part of the 23 member squad summoned by Asanovic ahead of next month’s crucial TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Group H rivals Ivory Coast and Comoros.
In an interview, Banda said he was encouraged by the way he has been welcomed in the national team setup.
The Red Arrows lethal top man said he would use the opportunity to learn from the experienced players to help him develop as a striker.
“There is no pressure for me. I will just get advice from the senior players because personally I’m still learning and I will consult the seniors to follow what they say and the encouragements they are giving me so that I can go far,” Banda said.
The Red Arrows top man, who won the Golden boot with 16 goals which helped the Airmen claim their first Super League title after 18 years, said he was hopeful of making it into the final squad which will travel to West Africa for an international camp.
Banda acknowledged the fact that there is too much competition from the local stars summoned by Asanovic who was tasked to take Zambia back to the AFCON after missing the last two editions.
“I have a chance to be part of the final squad and the key is to work extra hard after being given a chance. There is stiff competition but for strikers we are always competing and I will push for myself and the team,” he said.
Banda said the team was focused knowing the importance of the first game against Ivory Coast who will be seeking revenge for their 2012 AFCON final defeat to Zambia.
“We are working very hard to win the game because it is a very important game to the nation, so we will work extra hard to win the game and everyone is working hard to find himself in the starting eleven,” Banda said.