By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport Online in Lusaka

Rotson Kilambe has been named as the new captain of the Chipolopolo, Zambia's national team.

The announcement completes a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the player who was banned from international football for six months by Fifa, following a positive test for a banned substance last year.

Team manager Solly Pandor announced that Kilambe was given the captain's band to help him recover from the anguish of the ban.

"After the ban, we want to help him psychologically as much as possible. We want him to be the national team's motivator," said Pandor.

Kilambe, enjoying a rich vein of form, is currently heading the Zambian scorers' chart with 11 goals.

Professionals

In coming to their decision to select Kilambe for the post, Pandor said the technical committee of the FA felt the job would give him a needed sense of responsibility.

"It's not easy to be a captain because there are a lot of qualities one needs to possess," he said.

The 24-year-old Kilambe has taken over from veteran goalkeeper Davies Phiri.

Phiri has moved to South African premier league side Free State Stars on a three year contract.

Zambia go into camp on Monday, in preparation for their Cosafa Cup semi-final against Malawi in Blantyre on 10 August.

The coaching staff has summoned four professionals - Phiri, Gift Kampamba, Milton Tembo and Harry Milanzi - for the encounter.