CHIPOLOPOLO COACH HAILS TAIFA STARS

Zambia football national team (Chipolopolo) head coach Herve Renard has hailed Taifa Stars for their performance, saying the team have potential to become one of the most feared teams in the continent.

Renard was speaking after his team lost 1-0 to Taifa Stars in an international friendly football match played on Saturday at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Zambian coach said the country can achieve a lot in football as they have built a very good youthful team with players who are very dedicated and determined.

The French tactician said the game against Taifa Stars was excellent to his side preparations to defend the African Cup of Nations which is scheduled to take place in South Africa in January next year.

“The one nil defeat to Tanzania was a good practice match. It was a tough encounter but in the end of a very good training game we were unlucky not to score a goal.

“Tanzania are building a very good team which is made up of young players who are more dedicated and determined. I hope they will have one of the good sides in the future,” he said.

He said Tanzania were worthy winners as they grabbed what he called a well taken goal and were determined to win against the African champions.

He said the match against Taifa Stars was perfect as it gave him the good opportunity to see his players before he names 26 players who will make a team which will start preparations for the AFCON.

Renard said his team will play Morocco on January 8 in Johannesburg, Norway at Levy Mwanawasa in Ndola on January 12, Namibia on January 15, before facing Ethiopia in the AFCON match on January 21.

On the other side, Taifa Stars head coach Kim Poulsen said he was very happy with the results and the way his players played.

He said his players showed high levels of determination and also played according to instructions which he gave them.
Poulsen said he may want more friendly matches before next year’s World Cup qualifying game, but said he will meet Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) officials after Christmas and New Year recess.

“My players played well against one of the big sides in the continent. To me this is just the beginning of good things to come. After the Christmas and New Year recess I will meet football federation officials to discuss the way forward,” he said.