Zambia’s talented midfield machine Rainford Kalaba is confident that either Chipolopolo teammate Stopilla Sunzu or himself will be crowned 2012 Africa-based-player-of-the-year.
Kalaba said in an interview from Lubumbashi on Monday night that the two Zambian players are on top of their game.
“We won the Africa Cup for the first time and my younger brother Stopilla and myself were instrumental. We are playing well for both TP Mazembe and the Zambia national team.
“If I win, Stopilla will congratulate me and if he wins, I will congratulate him [Stopilla],” Kalaba said.
Others in contention for the award are Mohammed Aboutreika (Egypt), Yannick N’djeng (Cameroon) and Youse Msakni (Tunisia).
Kalaba said the shortlisting of the two players is proof that Zambian stars have the ability to compete on the big stage.
“I and Stopilla are still young and we have a long way to go in our football careers. This is just the beginning and this [nomination] will inspire us to work hard and eye bigger awards in future,” he said.
Kalaba and Sunzu scored a goal apiece at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Kalaba contributed a goal in the 2-1 win over Senegal in the opening match while Sunzu was on target in the 3-0 win over Sudan in the quarter-finals.
Sunzu and Chipolopolo skipper Christopher Katongo could not be reached for comment.
On Katongo, Kalaba is hopeful the 30-year-old skipper will make the three-man shortlist and go all the way to win the prestigious award.
The Confederation of African Football will announce the top three players this monthend and the winner will be unveiled on December 20 in Accra, Ghana.
Katongo is among 10 players shortlisted for the 2012 African footballer-of-the-year.
Reigning holder Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast has made the shortlist.
Others are Alexander Song (Cameroon), Andre Ayew (Ghana), Demba Ba (Senegal), Didier Drogba and Gervais Lombe Yao Koussi (Ivory Coast), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Younes Belhanda (Morocco).