Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone has announced a 41-member provisional squad ahead of Zambia’s back-to-back FIFA international friendly matches against South Africa and Burundi this November.
The squad, which features a mix of experienced internationals and exciting debutants, will be trimmed after a three-day local camp before the team departs for South Africa. Zambia will first face Bafana Bafana on Saturday in Port Elizabeth at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, before heading to Bujumbura for a showdown with Burundi on November 18.
Local Standouts Get Their Chance
Among the notable new faces are Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco), Solomon Mpasela (FC Muza), Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), and Aaron Musonda (Mutondo Stars) — players who have impressed in the MTN Super League this season. Their inclusion highlights the national team’s ongoing effort to reward domestic form and strengthen depth across all departments.
Sichone’s decision to widen his player pool comes as part of a strategic rebuild toward the upcoming Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where Zambia is placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali, and Comoros.
Balanced Blend of Experience and Youth
The provisional list features Europe-based regulars such as Patson Daka (Leicester City), Lameck Banda (Lecce), and Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha), alongside veterans like Stoppilla Sunzu and Lubambo Musonda. This balance between experience and rising talent gives Sichone several tactical options as Chipolopolo look to fine-tune their style ahead of competitive action.
Goalkeeping and Defensive Options
At the back, Sichone has called up Kabwe Warriors’ Mangani Banda, Zanaco’s Francis Mwansa, and Red Arrows’ Charles Kalumba to contest the No.1 spot. Defensive reinforcements include Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905), and David Hamansenya (Leganes) — showing the coach’s focus on stability and ball-playing defenders.
Midfield Depth and Attacking Firepower
In midfield, promising stars Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian) and Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva) return to the fold, joined by local performers such as Frederick Mulambia and Given Kalusa. Up front, Zambia’s attacking options look strong with Patson Daka, Lameck Banda, Albert Kangwanda, and Fashion Sakala all expected to feature prominently.
The friendly matches offer an ideal platform for Sichone to test new combinations and assess fringe players before the competitive AFCON campaign kicks into gear.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Defenders:
Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Stoppilla Sunzu (Yatai FC – China), Yoram Chanda, Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Aaron Musonda (Mutondo Stars), Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905 – Czech Republic), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh – Sudan), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg – Germany), David Hamansenya (Leganes – Spain)
Midfielders:
Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela, Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian – Scotland), Humphrey Bweembya (Kabwe Warriors), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Israel), Gift Siame (Leganes – Spain), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Kelvin Kampamba, David Simukonda (Zesco United), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari – Italy)
Forwards:
Lameck Banda (Lecce – Italy), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Israel), Rickson Ng’ambi (FC Muza), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha – Saudi Arabia), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Patson Daka (Leicester – England), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat – Israel), Kingston Mutandwa (SV Reid – Austria), Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco), Andrew Phiri (Singida Black Stars – Tanzania)
Moses Sichone’s provisional squad shows clear intent to build a competitive, versatile Chipolopolo side capable of mixing experience with emerging local talent. The upcoming friendlies against South Africa and Burundi will provide valuable insights into Zambia’s tactical evolution ahead of Morocco 2025 AFCON.
