Zambia’s U17 Men’s National Team, fondly known as the Junior Chipolopolo, are set to jet out for Dubai tonight as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Dennis Makinka, the young guns will camp in the United Arab Emirates for over 10 days before proceeding to Qatar, where the global tournament will be staged next month.
The Dubai camp is a crucial phase in Zambia’s preparation, allowing the technical bench to fine-tune tactics and evaluate combinations before the team’s opening World Cup fixture. The Junior Chipolopolo are scheduled to play three international friendly matches, including two against South American sides — Colombia and Venezuela. These matches are expected to test the team’s defensive resilience and attacking fluidity against high-calibre opposition.
Coach Makinka believes the warm-weather camp and the competitive friendlies will provide his side with the perfect environment to build confidence and match fitness. The camp also offers a chance to integrate new players into the squad and solidify chemistry among the team’s core group.
The Zambian squad features an exciting blend of talent and promise. James Nene Sibeene, Abel Nyirongo, Jonathan Kalimina, and Robert Banda are expected to form the team’s backbone, providing structure and leadership in key areas. Meanwhile, rising stars Nthasilwe Malupande, Felix Phiri, Mike Mutale, and Mapalo Simute have been tipped as ones to watch, given their performances in domestic youth competitions.
New faces Nelson Chilemu, Pablo Ndalama, Lukonde Mwale, and Lukas Theodore Daka have also been included in the traveling party, adding depth and competition within the squad. Their inclusion underlines Zambia’s ongoing commitment to youth development and the nurturing of future national team stars.
At the FIFA U17 World Cup, Zambia have been drawn in a competitive group featuring Indonesia, Honduras, and Brazil. The Junior Chipolopolo will open their campaign against hosts Indonesia, a match expected to test their composure under pressure. They will then face Honduras, before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against South American giants Brazil, one of the tournament favourites.
Zambia will be aiming to make history by advancing beyond the group stage — something they narrowly missed in their previous appearances. With the squad’s mix of tactical discipline and youthful enthusiasm, fans are optimistic that Makinka’s side could spring a few surprises on the world stage.
As the Junior Chipolopolo embark on their journey to Dubai, the excitement continues to build across Zambia. The pre-World Cup camp offers a vital opportunity to refine strategies, strengthen team chemistry, and boost morale ahead of the biggest youth football stage in the world. With promising talent, renewed focus, and a belief in their ability, Dennis Makinka’s boys will carry the nation’s hopes with pride — determined to make Zambia shine on the global map once again.
