Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has called on Zambian football fans to give interim national team coach George Lwandamina time and support as he begins his latest stint in charge of the senior national team, Zambia national football team.
Mweemba believes the experienced coach possesses the discipline and tactical understanding required to guide the Chipolopolo Boys as they begin preparations for upcoming international assignments. Lwandamina’s first major test will come during the Four-Nation Tournament scheduled for later this month in Botswana.
FAZ President Calls for Patience
Speaking about the appointment, Mweemba emphasized that supporters should allow the veteran coach enough time to implement his ideas and rebuild the team.
He noted that Lwandamina has a strong track record in Zambian football and remains one of the most experienced coaches available to guide the national side.
The FAZ president added that the upcoming tournament will provide an important opportunity for the technical bench to assess players and evaluate the team’s readiness for future competitions.
Balancing National Team and Club Duties
Currently, Lwandamina is also overseeing Nchanga Rangers FC, who have been enjoying an impressive campaign in the MTN Super League.
The Chingola-based club has been among the standout performers this season and is also preparing to compete in the prestigious ABSA Cup.
His ability to balance club and national team responsibilities will be closely monitored as he attempts to build momentum ahead of Zambia’s upcoming international commitments.
New Faces Included in Provisional Squad
Meanwhile, Lwandamina has named a 34-man provisional squad that blends experienced internationals with several promising young players.
Among the notable inclusions is Chanka Zimba of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, who receives his first senior national team call-up.
Kingstone Mutandwa also returns to the national setup for the first time since October 2024.
The coach has further handed opportunities to emerging talents such as Abel Salim Nyirongo of Athletico Lusaka, Under-17 captain Jonathan Kalimina, Kelvin Chipelu of Forest Rangers FC, goalkeeper Christo Chitambala, and Joseph Mulenga from Nchanga Rangers.
Experienced Stars Lead the Squad
Despite the introduction of new players, the squad still features several established stars expected to provide leadership and experience.
Patson Daka of Leicester City FC headlines the attacking options alongside Fashion Sakala of Al Fayha FC and Lameck Banda from US Lecce.
Their presence will be crucial as Zambia aims to strike a balance between experience and youth while rebuilding a competitive national squad.
Four-Nation Tournament in Botswana
The regional competition will bring together four Southern African teams including hosts Botswana national football team, Malawi national football team, Zimbabwe national football team, and Zambia.
The tournament will take place during the March FIFA international window and will provide the teams with valuable match practice.
A draw will determine the semifinal fixtures, with the two winners progressing to the final while the losing sides compete in a third-place playoff.
Building Toward AFCON 2027
For Zambia, the competition will serve as an early preparation platform for the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The technical bench is expected to use the tournament to assess combinations, evaluate emerging players, and begin shaping the squad that will compete in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Conclusion
As George Lwandamina begins another chapter with the Chipolopolo Boys, expectations will naturally be high among supporters. However, FAZ president Keith Mweemba’s message is clear: the team requires patience, stability, and support as the rebuilding process begins.
With a mix of experienced internationals and promising young talents, the Four-Nation Tournament in Botswana could offer an early glimpse of Zambia’s future direction as the nation prepares for the road to AFCON 2027.
