Nyirenda Unveils 30-Member CHAN Provisional Squad
Zambia national team coach Wedson Nyirenda has announced a 30-member provisional squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from February 1-28, 2025, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising talents, signaling Nyirenda’s intent to balance experience and youth.
The team will commence residential camp over the weekend to intensify preparations for the tournament. Zambia is one of 18 nations that have secured qualification and will soon learn their group-stage opponents after the official draw.
Nyirenda’s charges earned their spot in the tournament following Mozambique’s withdrawal during the final qualification round. Before that, the squad had been conducting weekly training camps, focusing on building a competitive team from the local league.
The squad boasts notable names such as Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos) and Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors) in goal, while defenders like Kabaso Chongo and Dominic Chanda bring stability to the backline. The midfield includes dynamic players such as Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco) and Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), while the attack is spearheaded by promising talents like Titus Chansa (Mutondo Stars) and Ricky Banda (Red Arrows).
The CHAN tournament is exclusive to players plying their trade in domestic leagues, making it a crucial platform for showcasing local talent. Nyirenda is optimistic about the team’s potential, saying, “We have a balanced squad with players who understand the demands of CHAN. Our goal is to compete strongly and make Zambia proud.”
As Zambia gears up for the tournament, fans will hope the team can build on its historical success in African competitions. The final 23-man squad will be announced closer to the tournament.
Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors)
Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
David Mumba (Konkola Blades)
Defenders:
Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)
Kabaso Chongo (Kabwe Warriors)
Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)
Mathews Banda (Nkana)
Kedrick Mumba (Nkana)
Fred Mwiche (Zesco United)
David Hamansenya (Shamuel)
Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
Frederick Mwimanzi (Green Buffaloes)
Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos)
Midfielders:
Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco)
Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers)
Paul Katema (Red Arrows)
Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)
Abraham Siankombo (Zesco United)
David Simukonda (Zesco United)
Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi)
Charles Zulu (Nkana)
Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA)
Timothy Sichalwe (Athletico Lusaka)
Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes)
Strikers:
Titus Chansa (Mutondo Stars)
Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA)
Ricky Banda (Red Arrows)
Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars)
Hope Katwishi (Forest Rangers).
