
Ian Bakala Eyes COSAFA U-17 Glory and AFCON Qualification
National U-17 coach Ian Bakala has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to successfully defend their COSAFA U-17 Championship title and secure qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). As the tournament begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, Bakala’s focus is on both regional glory and advancing to the continental stage.
Bakala, who has carefully assembled a new squad for this competition, emphasized the readiness and quality of his team. With Zambia drawn into Group B alongside Namibia, eSwatini, and Zimbabwe, the team has a clear roadmap to the finals, a crucial step for AFCON qualification.
Bakala believes he has assembled a good team.
“We have a good side; two of them have played COSAFA and AfCON before; the two are motivating their friends and mentally, I think they are coping well; even the new guys are looking as if they have been here before, which is good for the team,” he said.
He revealed that the target is to defend the cup.
“As we are going, the team is ready for the championship; we have to go and defend the cup. The preparations went well; there is discipline in the team; we are looking forward to getting the cup,” Bakala said.
The team landed in South Africa on a Zambia Airways flight early Monday morning, settling in with ample time to prepare for their group-stage matches. Their campaign kicks off on December 5 against Namibia at the UJ AW Mulla Stadium, with subsequent matches against Zimbabwe on December 7 at the same venue and eSwatini on December 9 at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
Read Also: MTN Super League Top Scorers
Qualification for the U-17 AFCON requires Zambia to reach the final, adding weight to each group-stage game. Bakala’s meticulous preparation reflects his ambitions, as he looks to uphold Zambia’s strong reputation in regional football while paving the way for international success.
“We have a good team, and I believe we are ready to defend the title,” Bakala shared ahead of their departure. His optimism is shared by fans who are eager to see the U-17 team emulate the successes of Zambia’s senior and U-20 squads.
Zambia’s COSAFA campaign promises exciting prospects as the U-17 team takes on regional rivals in pursuit of both the championship and a coveted spot at the U-17 AFCON. With a confident coach, a talented squad, and a proven track record, all eyes will be on Zambia as they aim to cement their dominance in Southern African football. Fans can look forward to an intense and inspiring journey as the young Chipolopolo battle for glory.


Bola Yapa Zed
FC MUZA Appoint Noel Phiri as New Head Coach

Bola Yapa Zed
Lameck Banda Takes Charge of Mufulira Wanderers

Zambian Football News
Highlanders FC Part Ways with Kelvin Kaindu

TNM Super League Malawi
Blantyre Derby 2025: Bullets and Wanderers Clash

TNM Super League Malawi
TNM Super League’s Rising Star: The Festus Duwe Story

Zambian Football News
WAFCON 2025: Copper Queens Set for High-Stakes Opener vs Morocco

Zambian Football News
Coach Nora’s Reign Tactical Direction Without Results

Bola Yapa Zed TV
Watch: Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone: Extended Highlights

Bola Yapa Zed
Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars

Zambian Football News
Watch Barbra Banda’s Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign

General Football News
Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil
Must Read
-
Bola Yapa Zed
/ 23 hours agoFC MUZA Appoint Noel Phiri as New Head Coach
Noel Phiri is set to make a highly anticipated return to FC MUZA as...
By Chikondi -
Bola Yapa Zed
/ 23 hours agoLameck Banda Takes Charge of Mufulira Wanderers
MTN Super League side Mufulira Wanderers have announced the appointment of Lameck Banda as...
By Chikondi -
Bola Yapa Zed
/ 1 day agoMufulira Wanderers to Appoint Lameck Banda as New Head Coach
Mufulira Wanderers FC is set to unveil former FC MUZA head coach Lameck Banda...
By Chikondi -
Archives
/ 2 days agoGodfrey “Ucar” Chitalu’s Historic 107 Goals in 1972
Godfrey “Ucar” Chitalu (October 22, 1947 – April 27, 1993) was not only the...
By Chikondi