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.
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.
