Mwanza advises local players to work hard ahead of AFCON

Football Analyst, Yotam Mwanza says the local camp for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers presents domestic-based players with a crucial opportunity to prove their worth and force their way into the senior national team. Mwanza told the media in an interview that…

Football Analyst, Yotam Mwanza says the local camp for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers presents domestic-based players with a crucial opportunity to prove their worth and force their way into the senior national team.

Mwanza told the media in an interview that the 28 players selected by Coach George Lwandamina should use the camp to demonstrate their ability to the technical bench, especially with the AFCON qualifiers scheduled to begin next month.

He advised that selection for the local camp should not be viewed as a guarantee of a place in the final squad, as professional-based players could still be brought in.

ZANIS reports that Mwanza has urged the players to remain focused and work hard to convince the coach that they deserve to be part of the team that will battle in the AFCON qualifiers.

He said although the preparation period is short, the players have an opportunity to quickly adapt and build an understanding with the technical bench.

Mwanza has also advised the players not to become distracted by their call-ups, but to recognise the importance of representing the national team.

He also said the players must understand that the national team is bigger than their individual clubs and should apply themselves fully during the camp.

Mwanza has further given the coach the benefit of the doubt over the selection, saying the technical bench is better placed to assess the players and determine the squad capable of securing qualification to the 2027 AFCON.