Chipolopolo coach Patrice Beaumelle is dreading the absence of firstchoice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene from tonight’s international friendly against Japan at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Mweene’s consistency at national team level has sometimes made Zambia or the coaching staff very comfortable, making the goalkeeping department one of the strongest in the team.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has also gathered massive experience over 10 years to establish himself as a sure bet for Zambia and rose to the position of deputy captain.
But Mweene misses out on the Florida trip leaving Beaumelle very little options but rely on the inexperience of Power Dynamos goalie Joshua Titima and Toaster Nsabata.
“Kennedy Mweene is not part of the team. He used to be vice captain and has lots of experience. He contributed a lot to the 2012 Africa Cup win,” he said ahead of tonight’s match kicking off at 19:30 local time (01:30 am Saturday in Zambia). “We’ll miss him for this match.”
But the Frenchman believes this is a good opportunity for Titima or Nsabata to rise to the occasion and make a statement Zambia has enough options in any eventuality.
“It’s a good opportunity for the boys who used to be number 3. I believe that with the competition everybody can move on and improve,” he add.
Titima was Zambia’s third choice goalkeeper at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and Beaumelle leans much more towards him for a starting place ahead of Nsabata in tonight’s game.
“I gave my support to the two boys; one will start tomorrow. I have every confidence in their ability,” he said; adding, “They have talent. If they are here, it is because they are doing well in their club.”
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