"Things are changing. Football is becoming more competitive every day so we need to prepare adequately," said Sinkala.

"The tendency of underrating other countries should be stopped. If we can lose to Malawi, a team we used to beat, what can stop us from losing to other teams?"

He advised that although Zambia was a poor nation, the FA should strive to set up camps for the Chipolopolo abroad to prepare for the qualifiers.

"Football is about spending and if people are not ready to spend, then we won't go anywhere," he said.

"If countries like Malawi can camp in England, I believe we can also do that. If that fails, we can go anywhere in Africa to prepare."

He advised the coaching staff and players not to underrate Sudan whom the team plays next month in its first game of the Africa Cup qualifying series.

"The game in Sudan wont be easy and we must step up our preparations," he said.

Sichone added: "It pains me as a Zambian to see what is happening in our country. We are only serious when it's too late."

"Teams like Senegal qualified for the World Cup because they were serious from the start."

He said it was high time Zambia took the preparations seriously with a view of building a strong team for the 2006 World Cup.

However, both players pledged their availability if called upon by their national association.