Grant explains 55 member provisional squad and heaps praise on ‘professional’ Patson Daka 

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has explained the 55 member provisional squad and the 30 member squad called into camp. 

The Israeli gaffer explained that the 55 member squad was a requirement from CAF and the 30 member squad was of players he was looking to assess. 

The former Chelsea boss also jokingly confirmed that in-form striker Patson Daka will make the final Africa Cup of Nations squad. 

Grant went on to heap praise on the Chipolopolo star forward saying he is an example for the young players with his discipline and hard work.

“We were forced to give a 55 provisional squad by CAF and here we picked a 30 member squad for Camp.  From this squad we will choose the players plus those who are not here like Patson Daka and others . I think Patson Daka will be in the squad,” he said. 

“I don’t like to speak about individual players but in this case I will not because of what he has done, scoring goals is his job (Patson Daka). His job is not to clear balls off the line. His behaviour off the pitch is an example for young players and players here who don’t know how to deal with the bench.”

“About Patson Daka he is an example, he could not play and even just a month ago he was not part of the squad. I have the old information of how he trained, ran more than anybody and when he was given a chance he scored goals because of his movements because he trained hard. I hope and am sure he will continue like this. He did it for us, scoring goals because of his movements and because he is professional, he trains well.”

Grant believes discipline is key for Chipolopolo who may not have the best players in Europe but can make up with discipline and professionalism. 

“Part of what I believe is about discipline. On and off  the pitch professional players, No one who will not be professional will be part of the squad. We want to get the best from the players and take Zambia forward,” he said. 

“Players that did not show desire, one of them called and said I will show you by action and I can tell you that he has been one of our best players not because of what he said but his actions on the pitch. Players say the right things but I judge them on their actions, what they say and what they follow. Like you said, I am open to the players who did not show desire and then later did so. The players who will be in the final squad because I think they will show desire to play. It’s not the only thing, they also need to be with quality and show passion.”

“I have said to the players that this team will be in harmony and if someone can not participate in this will not be part of the team but am positive because up to now we have almost not had any problem and when we did we reacted immediately,” he added. 

Zambia’s first match is on January 17 against Congo before playing Tanzania four days later.

The final group match will be against Morocco on January 24.