Zambia's coach Patrick Phiri has disbanded the national team.

Phiri said on Monday that he wanted to begin the selection process again for the Cosafa Castle Cup and African Nations Cup.

And he added that players who were at the African Nations Cup early this year will have to fight for places in the new team.

Phiri said there was "no automatic" entry of players who were in Mali in his new team.

"The problem is that there are players who don't play at their clubs who were in that team," Phiri said.

"I think it is unfair like that because there are new players I have watched who are very impressive.

Match cancelled

"Therefore everyone will be given an equal opportunity before we pick up a new team. It's just important that good players in the league are recognised," Phiri added.

And he stated that although the Zambian league was only four months old, he had identified many good players, and wanted to try new talent.

Later this week the team to play Mozambique in the Cosafa Castle Cup quarter-finals in July will be announced.

Phiri also said that he would be meeting the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) executive this week to present the team's preparatory programme.

Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo's game against Malawi, scheduled for this Saturday, has been cancelled due to short notice.