Lusaka (Zambia), Jan 10 (IANS): Two Zambia international players have sealed deals with struggling French Ligue 1 outfit, FC Sochaux.

International defender Stopilla Sunzu and midfielder Nathan Sinkala Thursday sealed a three and a half year deal and a six-month loan deal respectively with the French side currently coached by former Zambia national football team coach Herve Renard, reports Xinhua.

Sinkala' s loan would be made permanent by the club if he impresses during his six-month spell.

"Sochaux is not my dream move, but since there is (Herve) Renard, it' s a good move. It is a stepping stone for me to go to play in the English league; it is difficult to just go straight to England from Africa," Sunzu was quoted as saying by the Post of Zambia.

Sunzu, 24, and Sinkala, 22, were part of the Zambia national sqaud that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and the duo move to the French team from Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe.

Meanwhile, the former Zambian coach said he had no doubt that the two players would help his struggling side survive relegation.

"I have no doubt about their ability to succeed. I signed them with eyes closed. I know their qualities and they are good footballers," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

Sochaux are struggling in the French league and lie second from the bottom on the league table with 11 points from 19 games.

The two Zambian players have joined their compatriot Emmanuel Mayuka who was loaned from English side Southampton.