The Zambia Under-20 national soccer team returned to a heroes welcome today from South Korea where they reached the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup tournament.

And senior Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda has saluted the junior lads but expressed deep concern over their floppy defence.

The Under-20 team arrived around 14:00 hours to a thunderous welcome as fans lined up the route to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to catch a glimpse of the now all famous Fashion Sakala and his fellow talented youngsters.

The fans however complained that the organisers of the welcome party (FNB) hid the football stars in a Rosa bus, thereby denying members of the public a clear view.

Other soccer fans thronged the Great East Road causing traffic jam and a winding convoy of soccer loving motorists.

Meanwhile, Nyirenda has saluted the Zambia U20 teams’showing at the FIFA U20 World Cup but had strong words about the
defending.

Zambia lost 3-2 to Italy on Monday in Suwon to exit the tournament in South Korea at the quarterfinal stage.

This was the first time Zambia had reached the last 8 at the FIFA U20 World Cup following their last 16 milestone at Canada 2007.

“We looked promising in the first 10 minutes but again our defence didn’t do a good job. We have been vulnerable at the back in all the games we have played. We have been coming from behind.”

The team scored 11 goals and conceded 10 in their five matches played in South Korea.

“The only thing that sufficed is we have a good attack, but in defence, we have something to think about.”