Former Baroka FC goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe is delighted to be back in the Chipolopolo fold after an eight-month absence following a series of injury setbacks.
The South African-born goalkeeper’s last Zambia call-up was last July when he was part of Chipolopolo’s victorious team that won the 2022 COSAFA Cup title in Durban where he missed the final after sustaining an injury in the semifinals.
Chibwe has been summoned for Chipolopolo’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier back-to-back dates this month against Lesotho.
“I mean it’s always good to be called up to the national team. It shows that my hard work is being noticed,” Chibwe told Zesco United FC media.
Chibwe has enjoyed fairly good form since returning to action in January for his Zambian club Zesco United for whom he has started in their last nine league games.
He is one of four goalkeepers in Avram Grant’s provisional 27-member home-based Zambia team who reported for the first phase of training camp on March 14 in Lusaka ahead of the two fixtures against Lesotho.
CHIBWE ON RETURNING TO ZAMBIA SQUAD
Chipolopolo will host Lesotho in the first leg on March 23 in Ndola and the away game will be played on March 27 at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
“I still must work extra hard if I am to claim anything, especially since we have a new coach now,” Chibwe said.
“Now it’s up to me to fight hard. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will do my best.”
Chibwe returns to national team action after two injury setbacks since joining Zesco on a free transfer in July on a two-year deal.
The first one came just after his pre-season signing with Zesco in July while on 2022 COSAFA Cup duty with Chipolopolo.
That setback saw Chibwe miss Chipolopolo’s 2022 CHAN qualifiers then later the two away friendly dates against Mali in September and Israel in November.
Chibwe then suffered a second injury setback in November after playing just his first three games for Zesco.
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