Mazembe hail Zambian players

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) champions TP Mazembe have honoured their Zambian contingent, following their recent success.

Underdogs Zambia clinched the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling penalty shootout 8-7 over Ivory Coast earlier this month, and the Congolese side celebrated the fact five of the players in the winning squad also ply their trade at the club.

Upon their return to the club’s base in Lumububashi on Wednesday, the Corbeaux management held a special reception for Stophira Sunzu, Hichani Himoonde, Francis Kasonde, Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala, to thank them for bringing pride to the club.

“We were highly impressed with your performance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and on behalf of our president, we congratulate you and welcome you back,” TP Mazembe vice-president Mohamed Kamwanya said amid a festive atmosphere at the club’s lounge.

“It’s true Zambia won the trophy but don’t forget Mazembe’s players were majority in the group and so we are supposed to be the first club to get kudos.”

“We are expecting you guys to prove the same commitment at club level for our progress this season. Welcome back home and let’s celebrate the victory together.”