FAZ NAMES NEW U17 TECHNICAL BENCH
Press Statement
(For Immediate Release)
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka
27th August 2025
FAZ UNVEILS U17 TECHNICAL BENCH AHEAD OF COSAFA AFCON QUALIFIER TOURNAMENT
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have made changes to the Under-17 Men’s National Team with the legendary Charles Musonda named Technical Advisor while Ian Bakala retains his head coach role.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande says the reshuffles were made in consultation with the Technical Directorate and approved by the Executive Committee.
Shepande revealed that Zesco United assistant coach Emmanuel Siwale will stand-in for Bakala during the Under-17 Cosafa championship in Harare next month. The rest of the bench has Lameck Banda as first assistant while Francis Kombe will be second assistant with Martin Mwamba named goalkeeper coach.
Chipolopolo legend Clive Hachilensa will serve as physical trainer while Emmanuel Kanswe and Isaac Sichali will work as team Doctor and physiotherapist respectively. The team manager role has been handed to Gabriel Kalembo who previously served as assistant coach while Moses Banda is the equipment manager.
“Following a thorough evaluation process, including consultations with the Technical Directorate, performance appraisals of previous assignments, and alignment with the long-term national youth development strategy, FAZ wishes to announce the new technical bench for the Under-17 Men’s National Team,” says Shepande. “We have appointed Mr. Charles Musonda as Technical Adviser. Mr. Musonda is a senior coach with high-level technical qualifications (with UEFA A or equivalent) and has been tasked with providing strategic oversight, mentoring the technical team, and aligning the U-17 playing philosophy with the broader national football vision.”
He adds, “Mr. Emmanuel Siwale – A CAF B Licensed coach pursuing CAF A license with proven experience in youth football, particularly in talent identification and development currently as an assistant coach at Zesco United will stand-in for Bakala during the Cosafa assignment.”
Shepande has thanked the members of the previous technical bench for their contribution.
The TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 | COSAFA Qualifiers will be staged in Harare, Zimbabwe from September 11-20 with 12 teams hoping to reach the continental finals that are to be held next year. Zambia has been drawn in alongside South Africa, Malawi and Madagascar.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
