The Zambian soccer team on Thursday kicked off preparation by going into camp in capital Lusaka for the 2006 African Cup of Nations which is slated between January 20 and February 10 in Egypt.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) spokesperson Mwansa Mbulakulima was quoted by local newspaper Times of Zambia as saying the team would shift to Copperbelt province after their first warm-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on December 11.

He also disclosed that the internationally friendly between Zambia and Egypt would be played on January 9, 2006 as the host would be playing South Africa on January 14.

"Initially, only the locally based players and a few foreign- based players who are in the country will be in the camp," Mbulakulima said. "The other foreign-based players will join their colleagues next month after their leagues go on recess."

Quite a few Zambian football players are exhibiting their skills in clubs of neighboring countries such as Angola, South Africa as well as European countries.

The country's most beloved striker, Collins Mbesuma, who used to play in South Africa and scored record 35 goals for the Kaizer Chiefs in 2004, was transferred to the British Portsmouth this year. Mebsuma is also in the list of squad for the 2006 African Cup.

The FAZ spokesperson appealed to all stakeholders to give full support to the players and the technical bench and not to dictate which players need to be in the team as the national coach and his assistants knew best which players were performing well.

A total of 16 national teams in four groups will participate in the biyearly top soccer event in Africa. Zambia will meet its three rivals, namely South Africa, Guinea and 2004 champion Tunisia.

Source: Xinhua