Zambia Under-17 national team coach Dennis Makinka has named a 44-member provisional squad as preparations intensify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup to be staged in Qatar next month.
The selected players are expected to report for camp today in Lusaka, where they will train until October 20 before shifting base to Dubai for a series of international friendlies. While in Dubai, the Young Chipolopolo are expected to play three warm-up matches as part of their final preparations before heading to Qatar on October 31.
⚽ Big Names and New Faces in Makinka’s Squad
Leading the squad is Atletico Lusaka forward Abel Salim Nyirongo and captain Jonathan Moomba Kalimina, who will play key leadership roles in the group.
European-based players have also been included, with Alinani Nicolas Sichinga from HIK Copenhagen (Denmark), Kachinga Dickson Siame from Aston Villa Academy (England), and Uchinvyo Mulindwa Kaziya from New Brunswick High Performance Academy all earning their first national call-ups.
Makinka’s selection also features several members of the 2024 COSAFA U17 Championship-winning team, including Robert ‘Sugar Sugar’ Banda, Mapalo Simute, James Nene Sibeene, Nkotami Chimwemwe, and Mike Mutale — a core that brings familiarity and continental experience to the squad.
🌍 World Cup Journey and Group Stage Fixtures
Zambia has been drawn in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia in what promises to be an exciting challenge for the young side.
The Junior Chipolopolo will open their campaign against Indonesia on November 4, face Honduras on November 7, and conclude their group fixtures against Brazil on November 10. All matches will be played in Doha, Qatar.
FAZ officials have confirmed that the junior national team will also play three international friendlies while in Dubai as part of their final tune-up ahead of the tournament.
🧤 Full 44-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Rogers Simumba (Shamuel), William Zulu (Athletico Lusaka), Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows), Wiseman Nkumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sports Club).
Defenders:
Levyson Banda (Superiad Ndola), Sianchongwe (Kalomo), Nelson Chilemu, Jonathan Moomba Kalimina (Kafue Celtics), Felix Phiri (Athletico Lusaka), Chola Mwansa (Young Crocs), Bright Phiri, Handson Chulu (Kuku Dynamos), James Nene Sibeene, Martin Tumbwe (Sporting Lusaka), Chimuka, Fredrick Ngululu (Russia), Mwape Andrew (Metro Stars Soccer Academy), Pablo Ndalama (Young Zesco).
Midfielders:
Russell Kalumbeta, Temwani Simfukwe, Robert Banda (Athletico Lusaka), Nthasilwe Malupande, Caleb Bupe Chabala, Nelson Chilemu (Kafue Celtics), Christopher Mwakajila (Mungwi Hotspurs), Joseph Chizawu, Daniel Silubonde, Steven Lungu (Morkved Sportsklubb), Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA), Bongani Ndhlovu (Metro Stars Soccer Academy), Vincent Mutondo, Nkotami Chimwemwe (Lumwana Radiants), Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Mike Bwalya Mutale (Makeni All Stars), Albert Kunda (Demofracy Ndola), Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth).
Strikers:
Kachinga Dickson Siame (Aston Villa), Uchinvyo Mulindwa Kaziya (New Brunswick High Performance Academy), Lucas Theodore Daka (Reading FC), Caleb Musonda, Nthasilwe Malupande (Kafue Celtics), Alinani Nicolas Sichinga (HIK Copenhagen – Denmark), Abel Salim Nyirongo, William Zulu, Russell Kalumbeta (Athletico Lusaka), Billy Daka (Nkwazi FC).
🇿🇲 Makinka’s Vision for the Young Chipolopolo
Coach Makinka has emphasized a balance between experience and emerging talent, focusing on tactical discipline and youth development as Zambia aims to impress on the world stage.
This tournament marks another milestone for Zambian youth football, as FAZ continues to strengthen its development pathway from the U15, U17, and U20 setups into the senior national team.
