Former Zambia and Nkana FC midfielder Jericho Shinde has sent a word of encouragement to his ex-Chipolopolo teammates ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Shinde is quoted by the Lusaka Times website saying the team must not label themselves underdogs in their group.

Chipolopolo are in the toughest group of the qualifiers as they find themselves together with

Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria in Group B.

However, Shinde says the players must just believe in their abilities and give their best.

“Yes it is a group of death but we shouldn’t have mental blocks otherwise we will defeat ourselves. Zambia should not be the underdogs in this group,” Shinde said

“We should ensure that we collect maximum points in all our home games. Our home ground must be a slaughter house.

“Equally the players should learn to put in their best. We can say all these things but what about the commitment from the players.

“I hope these boys can come to the party and realise they are carrying the nation’s banner,

“Let’s galvanise ourselves. With proper team selection and good preparations we can compete.”

Meanwhile it is not clear yet whether coach George Lwandamina will lead the team during the qualifiers as the chase for a new coach is underway.

On the other hand, ex-coach Patrice Beaumelle turned down an offer from the Football Association of Zambia to return to the country.

Philippe Troussier and Dario Bonetti are some of the names linked to the coaching job to replace Lwandamina.