NAPSA Stars Football Club striker Jimmy Mukeya says he is excited to be part of Coach Aljosa Asanovic’s COSAFA Senior team provisional Squad.
This is the third COSAFA Call-up for Mukeya, with his first call-up being in 2019 when he was part of Zambia’s Under-20 squad that won the COSAFA Cup tournament that was staged in Lusaka.
The player made his second appearance in 2020 when the Zambia Under-20 team were eliminated by Mozambique in the semi-final round in a tournament which was staged in Port Elizabeth South Africa.
Mukeya said in an interview with NAPSA Stars FC media that he is working hard to get into Coach Aljosa’s final squad, especially after missing out from the previous final call-ups.
The player’s last National team appearance was in September 2021 when he was part of Coach Beston Chambeshi’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when he came in as late substitute when Zambia hosted Tunisia.
The player adds that not being part of the national team final squad since his last appearance has given him time to reflect on his form, adding that he understands that he has a lot of work to do to regain that form.
“I want to get back to my form and this call-up has motivated me. I am working hard because last season was not good for me in the league,” Mukeya adds.
The player made 21 appearances for NAPSA Stars in the Eden National Division One League, and only managed to score one goal.
In the 2020/2021 season, the player who is a product of NAPSA Stars developmental team, joined the senior squad mid-way under coach Mohamed Fathi and scored seven goals for the team.
Mukeya. 20, has also attributed his last season poor performance to family bereavement.
“I had a lot of ups and downs last season. I lost both my parents and that really disturbed me because I was dealing with both family and football, “the player adds.
He player says he needs to put in his level best to make both the club and his country proud by regaining his form.
Chipolopolo entered camp yesterday to prepare for this COSAFA tournament which will run from July 2-15, 2022.
Zambia is on bye and will join the COSAFA competition in the quarter final stage and will face the winners of Group A where Angola, Seychelles, Botswana and Comoros where drawn.
The pensioners are being represented by Mukeya, captain Luka Banda and Dickson Chapa.
