By Kennedy Gondwe
BBC Sport, Lusaka
Phiri needs a win against the Taifa Stars
Patrick Phiri has been told by the Football Association of Zambia (Faz) that a loss in their Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania will not be tolerated.
"Zambians want a win and coaches should know that this
is a must win game," said Faz spokesman Pivoty Simwanza.
The Chipolopolo's preparation for the 29 March encounter has been marred by the cancellation of the Four Nations Tournament, which was to involve South Africa, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
Phiri intended to use the tournament to put his team in shape for the encounter with the Tanzania's Taifa Stars.
The coaches should know that this
is a must win game
In response, the Zambia Football Coaches Association
(Zafca) condemned the position taken by Faz.
Zacfa chairman Patrick Kangwa said it was unfair for the association to demand a win from Phiri when he was not being given the needed help to get the team in fighting shape.
The national team re-groups next Monday in the Southern
province town of Mazabuka to start preparations for
the Tanzania match.
Meanwhile, the country's European-based professionals are asking for better financial terms than those offered to their local colleagues.
FC Cologne defender Moses Sichone said Faz should review their match allowances if they are to give their best to the country.
┐They have not satisfied us. How can I be coming for matches when I am getting the same salary with local players?,┐ asked Sichone.
┐They should find a way of compensating us the for money we lose at our clubs while we are with the national team.┐
Sichone was supported by Russian-based midfielder Gift Kampamba.
Kampamba said he would not play for Zambia if Faz did not acede to their request.
But Faz believes that paying foreign based players higher allowances than their local colleagues would be have an adverse effect on team spirit.