Renard considers Kangwa for Zambia

Zambia coach Herve Renard says Orlando Pirates target Evans Kangwa must wait his turn at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kangwa made his full international debut in 2011, but is yet to appear at this year’s Nations Cup.

He could yet have the chance to do so, after Zambia successfully reached the knockout stages.

“The time will come, but it will have to take time and when it comes he will play for a long time with the national team,” Renard was quoted as saying by Kickoff.com.

“It is good for him to learn. His time will come, he will learn and they are still some games left to play.”

Kangwa, who has reportedly attracted interest from Premier Soccer League club Pirates, shot to fame at the 2011 Cosafa Youth Championship, where he inspired the Zambia Under-20 side to victory.

He finished as top scorer for the competition with seven goals and also won the Player of the Tournament award.

The Nkana striker is one of three junior players who have travelled to the Nations Cup for the first time.

The others are Under-23 midfielders Nathan Sinkala and Chisamba Lungu.

Renard handed the older pair their full international debuts in Zambia’s competition opener, a memorable 2-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Senegal.

“On the day before the game against Senegal I told them; do you know today is a special day for you? I think you will remember this day for the rest of your life,” Renard said.

“Because the stadium was full and it was the opening ceremony and we were playing one of the best teams in Africa.”