Interim Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has named a 38-member provisional squad for the upcoming Four-Nation Tournament scheduled to take place in Francistown, Botswana later this month.
Among the notable inclusions is Chanka Zimba, who has earned his first call-up to the Zambia national football team following impressive performances for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scotland.
Lwandamina has also recalled Kingstone Mutandwa, who returns to the national team setup for the first time since October 2024.
Young Talent Included
The provisional squad features several promising youngsters as the technical bench looks to blend youth with experience ahead of the regional tournament.
Among the emerging talents called up are Abel Salim Nyirongo of Athletico Lusaka, Jonathan Kalimina, the U17 national team captain who plays for Kafue Celtics FC, as well as Kelvin Chipelu of Forest Rangers FC.
Goalkeeper Christo Chitambala of Mines United and defender Joseph Mulenga from Nchanga Rangers FC are also among the fresh faces included in the squad.
Experienced Stars Lead the Squad
The squad will be led by some of Zambia’s most experienced international players, including Patson Daka of Leicester City, Fashion Sakala from Al Fayha FC, and Lameck Banda who plays for US Lecce in Italy.
The tournament will provide the Chipolopolo squad with a crucial opportunity to build chemistry and prepare for upcoming international assignments.
Regional Tournament in Botswana
Hosts Botswana national football team will welcome regional rivals Zambia national football team, Malawi national football team, and Zimbabwe national football team for the Four-Nation Tournament during the March FIFA international window.
The competition will feature two semifinals determined by a draw, with the winners advancing to the final while the losing sides will compete in the third-place playoff.
For Zambia, the tournament will serve as an important early step in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as the technical bench evaluates players and tactical options.
FULL 38-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Willard Mwanza — Power Dynamos
Christo Chitambala — Mines United
Victor Chabu — Nchanga Rangers
Patrick Chooma — Nkana
Defenders
Owen Mwamba — Mufulira Wanderers
Dominic Chanda — Power Dynamos
Yoram Chanda — Kabwe Warriors
Tinklar Sinkala — Zanaco
Fredrick Mwimanzi — Zanaco
Brian Chilimina — Red Arrows
Khondwani Chiboni — Power Dynamos
Mathews Banda — Bohemians (Czech Republic)
Joseph Mulenga — Nchanga Rangers
David Hamansenya — SK Artis Brno (Czech Republic)
Jonathan Kalimina — Kafue Celtics
Midfielders
Given Kalusa — FC MUZA
Francis Banda — Kabwe Warriors
Kelvin Mwanza — FC MUZA
Miguel Chaiwa — Hibernian
Joseph Liteta — Cagliari
Humphrey Bwembya — Kabwe Warriors
Wilson Chisala — Zanaco
Owen Tembo — Power Dynamos
David Simukonda — Ceramica Cleopatra
Fredrick Mulambia — Power Dynamos
Lameck Banda — Lecce
Obino Chisala — Al Merrikh
Lubambo Musonda — Magdeburg
Strikers
Patson Daka — Leicester City
Chanka Zimba — Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Elia Mandanji — Zanaco
Kingstone Mutandwa — SV Ried
Abel Nyirongo — Athletico Lusaka
Jack Lahne — Austria Lustenau
Fashion Sakala — Al Fayha
Kelvin Chipelu — Forest Rangers
Albert Kangwanda — Red Arrows
Pascal Phiri — Pyramids
Conclusion
The Four-Nation Tournament will offer interim coach George Lwandamina an important opportunity to assess both experienced internationals and emerging talents as Zambia begins preparations for future continental competitions. With a blend of established stars and promising youngsters, the Chipolopolo squad will be aiming to make a strong impression in Botswana.
