ZESCO United head coach George Lwandamina has praised young midfielder, David Simukonda’s character after an outstanding season earned him a call-up to the national team for the 2024 COSAFA Cup tournament.
Simukonda, 19, broke into ZESCO’s first team last season and became a regular in Lwandamina’s starting eleven throughout the season. He played a crucial role in helping the club secure a second-place league finish and qualify for the Confederation of African Football’s Confederation Cup.
The ZESCO Academy graduate has made it into the COSAFA minder’s 23-member Chipolopolo squad, which is seeking to defend its crown.
Speaking in an interview with SUN FM Radio yesterday, Lwandamina backed Simukonda to replicate his impressive club form at the national team level.
“It’s good for the boy, you know players have different characters. David has a different character; he may be young, but he is old in how he thinks, and I doubt he can grow big-headed,” Lwandamina said.
Lwandamina added that the youngster was ready for the international stage regardless of his age.
“He has leadership qualities, and that will sustain his career. David has the character of a mature man who is even better than a senior.”
The Chipolopolo left the country for Gqeberha in the morning today for the tournament, which kicks off tomorrow, June 26.
Newly-promoted Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe is guiding the record seven-time COSAFA Cup winning side on its title defense quest. Chipolopolo has been drawn in Group B with Zimbabwe, the Comoros, and guest Kenya.
Chipolopolo begins its group stage campaign on Thursday with an encounter against the Harambee Stars of Kenya at the Wolfson Stadium, followed by a match against Zimbabwe three days later. The group stage campaign concludes with a fixture against the Coelacanths of Comoros on July 2.
