South Africa underrated us - Sichone

Zambia football team coach Moses Sichone has responded strongly to talk from some South African quarters seemingly undermining the Copper Bullets ahead of Saturday’s friendly.

The Copper Bullets will face Hugo Broos’ men at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth before taking on Burundi in Bujumbura on November 18.

Ahead of the first match, some South African football circles have suggested that Bafana Bafana stood to gain more from playing strong opposition like Brazil and not the Chipolopolo.

In a reaction, the former Chipolopolo defender has since vowed to prove to Bafana Bafana that they are worthy opposition.

“We know that they have underrated us,” Sichone is quoted in Zambian media. “I have been reading some comments… they wanted to play Brazil. But for us, we take it as it comes. We are taking this game very serious and we hope to get a positive result.”

The former FC Cologne’s wingback has since said he is looking forward to his first match in charge of the 2012 African champions.

“Of course, we are expecting a tough game against South Africa and we also want to give them a good friendly game,” Sichone said.

“We are not just going there to play. We are taking it so seriously and we also want to win the game because South Africa qualified for the World Cup and it's a good test for us.”

The Southern African rivals will meet to prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) scheduled for Morocco in December.

Meanwhile, Zambia will come to South Africa with a strong squad comprising 16 foreign-based players, including stars Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala.

Another notable inclusion in the squad is evergreen China-based defender Stoppilla Sunzu, the only surviving member from the 2012 Afcon-winning squad.

The new players called up include Zanaco’s Eliya Mandanji, FC Muza’s Solomon Mpasela, Kabwe Warriors’ Yoram Chanda and Mutondo Stars defender Aaron Musonda.

Zambia were drawn in Group A alongside the Atlas Lions, Mali and Comoros.