adminJOHANNESBURG. — Sozchaux coach Herve Renard has backed Zambian defender Stopilla Sunzu and midfielder Nathan Sinkala to succeed at the French Ligue 1 soccer club. The two Zambia internationals were snapped up by their ex-Chipolopolo coach from TP Mazembe in the January transfer window.
Sunzu joined the club on a three year deal while Sinkala arrives on a six-month loan.
“I have no doubt about their ability to succeed. I signed them on with eyes closed,” Renard told Mazembe’s official page.
“I know their qualities and they are good footballers.”
Both players got their big break in the Zambia national team under Renard.
Sunzu initially made his name under the Frenchman at the 2009 CHAN finals in Cote d’Ivoire. His deal with Sochaux is said to be valued at Euros 1 million.
Sinkala was a late pick for the 2012 Africa Cup camp and went on to play in all of Zambia’s six games on their way to victory in Libreville, Gabon two years ago.
Meanwhile, the duo left Zambia on Monday and were due for a medical on Tuesday before agreeing terms.
They will be reunited at Sochaux with not only Renard, but their Zambia teammate Emmanuel Mayuka, who is currently on loan from English side Southampton.
TP Mazembe chairman Moise Katumbi has officially confirmed that Sunzu and Sinkala have joined French club Sochaux.
Katumbi said he was pleased with the terms of the deal that will see the two Zambians reunited with their ex-Chipolopolo coach Renard at the club.
“When players show their willingness to go to Europe and the interested club contact us and negotiations move by the book, we never hinder their departure. Here is further proof, ” Katumbi said in clear reference in a previous standoff with Sunzu over a botched attempt to move to England in early 2013. Katumbi said the duos’ transfer was sealed just after Christmas.
Defender Sunzu, who has been at Mazembe since 2010, has reported signed a three year deal worth 1 million euros.
Midfielder Sinkala, who joined Mazembe in January 2012 from Green Buffaloes, will be on loan for six month with an option for a permanent move should he impress the club. — Supersport.com
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