Oswald Mutapa: Chipolopolo’s AfCON 2025 Success Hinges on Strong Preparation
Former national team assistant coach Oswald Mutapa has emphasized the importance of thorough preparation if Zambia’s Chipolopolo are to perform well at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON). Zambia, set to make their 19th appearance at the tournament, have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. The stage is set for a challenging campaign, but Mutapa believes success is within reach with the right groundwork.
Chipolopolo have struggled to advance past the group stage since their historic AfCON triumph in 2012. Mutapa, who served as assistant coach under Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic in 2020, stressed that preparation will be the key to breaking this cycle. “The [AfCON] draws. It is the way you prepare. How many friendly games are we going to have? For me, in any given situation, preparation is key,” Mutapa said.
Mutapa highlighted the need for extensive friendly matches to assess and integrate emerging talent into the national team. Between now and December, he expects new players to rise to prominence and stake their claim for a spot in the squad. “There are other players that might be coming in [the national team] because they are playing well now or they will be playing well by the time we go to AfCON. For them to gel, you need a lot of preparation,” he explained.
Zambia’s AfCON 2025 campaign kicks off on December 22 with a clash against Mali, followed by a match against Comoros four days later. Their final group game will be against hosts Morocco, a formidable opponent with home advantage. Mutapa’s call for rigorous preparation underscores the challenges ahead, but also the potential for Chipolopolo to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
As the countdown to AfCON 2025 begins, all eyes will be on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and head coach Avram Grant to ensure the team is well-prepared. Friendly matches, training camps, and strategic planning will be crucial in building a cohesive and competitive squad capable of navigating a tough group.
For now, Zambian football fans can only hope that Mutapa’s advice is heeded, and that Chipolopolo’s journey to AfCON 2025 is marked by the kind of preparation that leads to success. Stay tuned to Bola Yapa Zed for the latest updates on Zambia’s road to AfCON and all the news from the world of Zambian football.
