Chisi Mbewe Names 27-Member Squad for COSAFA 2024
Zambia Under-20 coach Chisi Mbewe will lead the Chipolopolo at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, which kicks off on June 26 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Mbewe has selected a 27-man provisional squad for the regional tournament running from June 26 to July 7.
The squad is predominantly composed of local players, with the exception of Al Hilal striker Albert Kangwanda, who is currently on loan at Red Arrows due to events in his home country. Mbewe will be assisted by Mwenya Chipepo, with Donewell Yobe serving as the physical trainer. Emmanuel Msichili will take on the role of goalkeeper coach, and Lombe Chipupu will be the team manager.
The team features several new and young players, including 19-year-old Zesco United midfielder David Simukonda and the U20 duo of Mathews Banda and Sekanji Siame, the latter being the youngest at 18.
As defending champions, Zambia will face guests Kenya on June 27 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, followed by a clash with arch-rivals Zimbabwe on June 30 at Wolfson Stadium. Their final group stage match will be against Comoros on July 2.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers)
Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
Defenders:
Mathews Chabala (ZESCO United)
Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)
Chitoshi Chinga (Nkana FC)
Mathews Banda (Nkana FC)
John Chishimba (ZESCO United)
Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers)
Sekanji Siame (Konkola Blades)
Zachariah Chilongoshi (NAPSA Stars)
Brian Chilimina (Red Arrows)
Midfielders:
Dickson Chapa (NAPSA Stars)
Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)
Austin Muwowo (Power Dynamos)
Abraham Siankombo (ZESCO United)
Kelvin Kapumbu (ZESCO United)
David Simukonda (ZESCO United)
Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
Saddam Yusuf Phiri (Red Arrows)
Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA)
Charles Majapa Mumba (Green Buffaloes)
Strikers:
Albert Kangwanda (Al Hilal-Sudan)
Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA)
Jimmy Mukeya (Kansanshi Dynamos)
Ricky Banda (Red Arrows)
Enock Sakala Jr (ZESCO United)
