Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:40:56 +0000
By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
ZAMBIA Under-20 coach, Beston Chambeshi says his team is focussed and ready for the much fancied Italians.
Chambeshi said he was working on the mental preparedness of his team.
“We keep climbing higher, and now we are closer to the final. The team trained well and still focused,” he said.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga is confident the Under-20 can overcome the Italians.
Kamanga said the boys have faced tough teams so far and were able to handle any opponent.
“It is everyone’s wish that the boys storm the semis especially now that they are the only African team remaining in the competition, hence the entire continent is looking up to them. They just have to be focused and score goals without conceding,” he said.
Meanwhile, Italian Under-20 coach, Evani Alberico ,said his team has no reason to panic going into their crunch game against Zambia on Monday.
Alberico said Italy has prepared for any team at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup tournament, so meeting Zambia was no surprise.
He has warned that the quarter-final game will be at a different level of intensity as both teams aim to book a semi-final slot.“I am impressed by the team’s performance so far. The players are committed and know why they are here. It was a difficult game against France but am glad we pulled through. We now prepare for the quarter-final stage,” he said.
The Italian trainer confessed that Zambia had a strong side and their fighting spirit was remarkable, but assured that his lads will not give away anything.
He said Italy was known to reach far in any tournament.
“Italy always has the task of going far, the team is ready and they will fight for a positive result,” he said.
Italy’s last appearance at the junior World Cup was eight years ago and this is their sixth showing at the finals. The best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 1987, 2005 and 2009.
Meanwhile, Zambia coach Beston Chambeshi said he was working on the mental preparedness of the team.
