By Mark Gleeson BBC Sport

Sichone is full of confidence

Zambian defender Moses Sichone returned to his roots on Saturday to play for Zambia in the competition where he first made his name.

After an absence of 18 months, Sichone captained Chipolopolo in their Cosafa Castle Cup semi-final defeat to Malawi in Blantyre.

He returned to the team after resolving a long-running feud with Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials.

Despite Zambia's defeat, Sichone's elegant presence in the heart of midfield emphasised just what the country missed in their African Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

Sichone, who is also an accomplished centre back, is a player who exudes confidence, striding with a swagger and prepared to stand up for his rights.

Let's wait and see what FAZ will do for the next match Moses Sichone

It is a confidence that comes with being a regular starter for FC Cologne in Germany - one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

The 26-year-old's absence from the Zambian side started when he accused FAZ of not treating foreign-based players "with proper respect."

He demanded better travelling conditions and match allowances for himself and others like Andrew Sinkala, Mwape Miti and Andrew Tembo.

But cash-strapped FAZ were not amused and refused to entertain his demands. They accused Sichone of lacking patriotism and insisted that the coaches leave him out in the cold.

Sichone recently had what he described as "in-depth talks" with officials of both FAZ and the Ministry of Sport, and believes change is on the way.

"Let's wait and see what FAZ will do for the next match," a reference to Zambia's World Cup qualifier against the Seychelles later this year.

Sichone left Nchanga Rangers to join FC Cologne in 1999 and has already played 40 matches for the Bundesliga side.

At international level, he was part of the Zambian side that won the 1998 Cosafa Cup - southern Africa's annual championship.

He then got his big break to go to Europe midway through the All-Africa Games in Johannesburg in 1999 when he left the team to win the silver medal without him.

Two Nations Cup tournaments behind him and the captain's armband for his country now make Sichone the central figure around whom a new Zambian side can be built.