WE WON’T DISAPPOINT
…Wada urges fan support as Chipolopolo jet off to SA for COSAFA tournament
ZAMBIA national soccer team coach Wedson Nyirenda has urged fans to support his lads as they chase twin goals of winning their eighth COSAFA title and preparing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In an interview at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) before departure for South Africa, Nyirenda said the local people would not disappoint Zambians.
“Zambia is a footballing nation; our fans don’t settle for less in any tournament. There is nothing like small tournament in Zambia, so as long as you don that jersey you have to deliver.
“We are going there for a key. We are building players and try things that… let them support us and we shall not let you down,” Nyirenda said.
He said the team was ready for the challenge ahead that would see them play Comoros and Botswana in a three-team group.
Zambia’s first game is on Friday against Comoros before facing Botswana five days later.
“The team is ready for the tournament. The boys are looking so positive. They look committed to the cause and we cannot complain about anything. We do not have any injuries and everyone is okay,” he said.
Meanwhile. the local assemblage of the Chipolopolo yesterday departed for South Africa ahead of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup, which kicked off yesterday in Bloemfontein.
The Chipolopolo boys left KKIA at 06:30 hours aboard a South African Airways flight, with the mission of securing a record-extending eighth COSAFA Cup title.
The regional tournament, which runs until June 15, will see Zambia compete in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda has named a strong 23-man squad that blends youth and experience, with several standout performers from the domestic league making the cut.
Among the notable stars is Owen Tembo, who was recently crowned the 2024/25 MTN Super League Player of the Season. Joining him is Titus Chansa, the league’s Golden Boot winner, whose scoring prowess will be key in Zambia’s attacking setup.
Others are Jackson Phiri of Barts FC, David Mumba from Konkola Blades and the Nkana duo of captain Harrison Chisala and defender Matthews Banda.
The FC MUZA duo of Kelvin Mwanza and Andrew Phiri, whose consistent performances have earned them recognition in Nyirenda’s final squad.
Zambia will open their COSAFA Cup campaign with a clash against Comoros on Friday, June 6 before taking on Botswana in their second and final group stage match on Wednesday, June 11. Only the top team in the group is guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.
Goalkeepers
David Mumba (Konkola Blades), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
Defenders
Fred Mwiche (Zesco United), Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Frederick Mwimanzi (Zanaco), John Soko (Power Dynamos), Jackson Phiri (Barts FC), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Tinkler Sinkala (Kabwe Warriors)
Midfielders
Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Charles Zulu (Nkana), Kelvin Mwanza (MUZA FC), Frederick Mulambia, Owen Tembo (both Power Dynamos), Abraham Siankombo, Leonard Mulenga (both Zesco United),
Strikers
Andrew Phiri (MUZA FC), Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars)
