LUSAKA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Head coach of the Zambia national soccer team on Friday unveiled a 26-member squad, that includes 14 professionals for next month's Africa Cup qualifier match against Namibia.
Sven Vandenbroek, who unveiled the squad at a press briefing, has included former captain of the national soccer team Rainford Kalaba, who has not played for the team for a long time after a fall out with the previous trainer.
The Belgian said the door for the national team was open to all players as long as they prove themselves at their clubs.
"What happened in the past I cannot judge, there are rumors, people are telling me things, but I cannot judge so everyone starts from zero. Everyone opens the door for the national team, if they are willing and eager to play for the national team," he said.
He said the Namibia game was crucial and a must-win in order to brighten the team's chances of qualifying to the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The team, he said, will play a friendly game with Gabon on September 11 before the encounter with Namibia on September.
Zambia is rooted at the bottom of Group K along with Namibia with no points after the first round of matches which saw the Chipolopolo lose 1-0 to Mozambique.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Defenders: Solomon Sakala (Zesco United), Gideon Sichone (Green Buffaloes), Gampani Lungu (Supersport, South Africa), Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Stoppila Sunzu (FC Metz-France), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, Congo DR), Lawrence Chungu (Buildcon), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Raanana, Israel)
Midfielders: Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, Congo DR), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane, South Africa), Enock Mwepu (RB Salzburg, Austria), Jackson Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Lubambo Musonda (Gangzasar Kapan, Armenia), Clatous Chama (Simba, Tanzania), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, Congo DR), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows)
Strikers: Augustine Mulenga , Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fashion Sakala (Oostende, Belgium), Patson Daka (RB Salsburg, Austria), Lazarous Kambole (Zesco United).
