2016 South Africa sports awards, Steve Tshwete lifetime award winner Thomas Kwenaite believes African teams have a decent chance of impressing at the U20 World Cup. Kwenaite says the teams must strive to start the tournament with positive results as a loss would put them on a back foot.
” I honestly believe Africa has a very good chance of making a good impression and Zambia in particular looked untouchable during the Afcon but as usual Africa’s major weakness is our administration and lack of proper preparations,” Kwenaite told Soka25east.com in an exclusive interview from South Africa
” Although am confident about the chances of all the African teams, some have been thrown into groups of death and how they react will be key. Winning the opening match would be critical for all the teams and a loss will put them on the back foot,” he further added
Africa will be represented by Guinea, Senegal, Zambia and South Africa in South Korea. The African teams will be looking to emulate Ghana and replicate a near impossible dream of winning the world cup at this stage.
Zambia U20 National team vice Captain Enock Mwepu shares similar sentiments and believes his team has what it takes to go all the way and win the tournament. The Napsa Stars midfielder says that winning 2016 COSAFA U20 and 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations has boosted the teams morale ahead of the world cup.
“The chances of Zambia winning the world cup are very high, We have won two major trophies in two months and that has boosted our morale as players and we believe that we can win another trophy if we keep the same focus,” Mwepu told Soka25east.com in an interview
“Africa has always been doing fine in the world. l hope and pray that this time is our time as Zambia to win the world cup but we leave everything in God’s hands,” he added
Mwepu says the team will not underrate anyone and that they will put in their best to win each and every game.
“We do not plan on underrating any team that we will face, By doing so we will win every game and reach the finals,” he said.
Zambia are in group C alongside Iran, Costa Rica and Portugal . The African champions will kick-off their campaign against Portugal at Jeju world cup stadium on Sunday, 21st May, at 07:00hrs Zambian time.
