THE Zambia soccer squad regrouped in Lusaka during the week to intensify preparations for the crucial 2010 World Cup and African Cup tie against Togo with the South Africa based-legion linking up with the team on the first day of training.

Midfielder Felix Katongo of French Ligue 1 side, Stade Rennes and striker James Chamanga, who has just parted ways with Chinese team, Dalian Haichang, are also in the team on the last leg of preparations for the match which has been rescheduled to September 10.

The South Africa-based contingent consists Mamelodi Sundowns’ striker Collins Mbesuma, defender Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows), goalkeepers Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars) and Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu).

Skipper Christopher Katongo, who recorded his first goal for his new German Bundesliga side, Arminia Bielfeld and France-based Jacob Mulenga, who also scored for Chateauroux has also joined the team.

"We can confirm that most of the professionals will start arriving tomorrow (today). The South Africa-based contingent is expected to join tomorrow (today) with Felix and James. We expect to have a full squad by Wednesday," FAZ general secretary, George Kasengele said.

Kasengele said the Togolese squad might have problems lodging at Protea Hotel in Chingola because of the postponement of the match and that there were possibilities the Hawks could be accommodated at Hotel Edinburgh in Kitwe.

"We are still negotiating with Protea Hotel if they can find room to accommodate the Togolese team and the officials. Bookings were made earlier but because of the changes the bookings we made may have problems. Togo may stay at Edingburgh," he said.

And veteran defender Elijah Tana, who sat out the Friday training session due to a groin injury, is said to have recovered alongside striker Emmanuel Mayuka and defender Chintu Kampamba.

FAZ communications officer, Erick Mwanza said the postponement of the match had not changed the camping programme for the squad, as the coaching bench did not want to disturb the rhythm from the 10-day camp in Germany.

"The training reached its peak whilst in Germany and the coaches did not want to disturb the rhythm. We are going ahead with the training schedule that was tailored before the postponement of the match," he said.

On the injured players, Mwanza said all the three players would be subjected to a fitness test upon arrival in camp to determine their availability for the game.

Meanwhile, Mwanza has dismised suggestions from the Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Associations (Zavosofa) that fans be allowed free entry into Konkola Stadium for Zambia’s match against Togo.

He said suggestions by Zavosofa patron Peter Makembo were not possible since gate takings were the major source of income for FAZ.

"Apart from that, this is FIFA class one match which has to be serviced by the association through the payment of security personnel and other such expenses involved in the hosting of a game of that magnitude," he said.

He said FAZ was in constant contact with their Togolese counterparts on the day the Hawks would arrive in Zambia and that the tentative date was September 6.