Zambia coach Herve Renard admits Collins Mbesuma did his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations ambitions no harm after scoring the winner against Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.
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The Orlando Pirates striker came off the bench at half-time in the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash and unleashed an unstoppable shot in the 64th minute which Itumeleng Khune knew little about, clinching the win for Chipolopolo.
Mbesuma has struggled to impress under the French tactician, specifically on fitness issues which have limited his appearances in national team colours, but the coach was left singing the forward's praises following his wonder striker for the reigning African champions.
"There were times in the past when Collins was not fit to play in the first eleven and that was a bit disappointing. I think it was a very good thing that he signed for Orlando Pirates and he has already scored some important goals for them," Renard told Football411.
Renard admitted that Mbesuma, one of the Buccaneers' leading goal-scorers this term, is the sort of player who must be treated with kids' gloves.
"To be honest, I'm very happy for him that he scored the winning goal. Collins is a very good guy, but sometimes he is a small baby and he needs help to stay in the right way. I hope he is in the right way... We need him for AFCON," he said.
However, Renard was quick to caution that the Bucs striker is not guaranteed a place squad headed for South Africa next year.
"There is no single player in our squad who is guaranteed a place in the AFCON squad, so there is no time to relax for any player," the coach concluded.
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