Sekhukhune midfielder Kabwe: We dedicate Israel friendly to Mwepu

Sekhukhune United midfielder Roderick Kabwe says they are dedicating their first game since Enock Mwepu’s retirement in September to him in Thursday’s friendly against Israel.

Chipolopolo returns to action for the first time since September 23 in a historic debut date against Israel away at Petach Tikva.

Mwepu was taken ill in Bamako in the lead-up to last September’s away friendly against Mali and flew back to his base at EPL club Brighton where he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that forced him to retire at the age of 24.

“Yes, it affects us as a team because he was one of the important players for the team and country at large, especially since he was a leader,” Kabwe said.

WE PLAY FOR HIM…

“Life has to go on, and somehow we just have to play every game going forward for him and try and find results so that, even when he is watching the national team, he will be proud of us and say I was once part of the team.

“We go into that game to get the result that we shall dedicate to him.”

Chipolopolo left for Israel on Monday in what will also be their final official friendly match in 2022.

It will also be interim coach Moses Sichone’s third game in charge after a 5-4 post-match penalty win over Botswana following a 1-1 draw in the 2022 COSAFA Cup quarterfinals.

Sichone later oversaw a 1-0 loss to Mali on September 23 in Bamako.

He is using the game to check on the team ahead of the 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier doubleheader against Lesotho at home on March 25 and away on March 28.

“For us, we are looking at the friendly as an important part of preparation ahead of the AFCON qualifiers next year. We have two important games in March against Lesotho,” Kabwe said.

“It’s an important game, and yes, we want the results, but at the same time, we are looking at it as preparation for the qualifiers.”