Zambia Target 8th COSAFA Title as Nyirenda Names Provisional Squad

Zambia national team head coach Wedson Nyirenda has named a 35-member all-local provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup, set to run from June 4–15 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The announcement comes as the Chipolopolo look to bounce back from a disappointing group stage exit in the 2024 edition.

The provisional list features standout performers from the MTN Super League, including top talents from Power Dynamos, Kabwe Warriors, Red Arrows, and other topflight teams. All selected players are based in Zambia, in alignment with COSAFA’s regional and CHAN eligibility requirements.

Nyirenda, affectionately known as “Wada,” emphasized that the COSAFA Cup serves as vital preparation not only for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August but also for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. “This is a big opportunity for our local players to stake their claim on the national stage,” he said.

Zambia Aiming for Record Eighth Title

Zambia has been drawn in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana, and will open their campaign against Comoros on Friday, June 6 at 18h00 CAT. Chipolopolo will then wrap up the group stage against Botswana on Wednesday, June 11.

This year’s COSAFA Cup, hosted for the first time in Mangaung | Bloemfontein, will see matches held at the Toyota Stadium and Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, both iconic venues with Toyota Stadium having hosted matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Zambia are seven-time COSAFA Cup champions and will be eyeing an unprecedented eighth title, looking to reclaim their regional dominance after last year’s disappointment.

Full 35-Member Provisional Squad

🧤 Goalkeepers

• Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)

• Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors)

• Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

• Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers)

🛡️ Defenders

• Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)

• Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)

• Jackson Phiri (Bart’s FC)

• Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)

• Kedrick Mumba, Mathews Banda (Nkana FC)

• Fred Mwiche (ZESCO United)

• Frederick Mwimanzi (ZANACO FC)

• Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos)

Also Read: Chipolopolo to Face Comoros in COSAFA Cup 2025 Opener

🎯 Midfielders

• Kelvin Kapumbu (ZANACO FC)

• Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers)

• Luka Mutoshi, Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi FC)

• Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)

• Harrison Chisala, Charles Zulu (Nkana FC)

• Anthony Chiyuka, Abraham Siankombo (ZESCO United)

• Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows)

• Martin Mweemba (Bart’s FC)

• Timothy Sichalwe (Atletico Lusaka)

• Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes)

• Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers)

⚽ Strikers

• Kelvin Mwanza, Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA)

• Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos)

• Evans Kayombo Jr (NAPSA Stars)

• Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows)

• Simon Mulenga (Green Eagles)

• Kenani Phiri (Makeni All Stars)

Final Squad to Be Announced Before Tournament Kickoff

Nyirenda is expected to trim the provisional list closer to the tournament, with players set to enter camp in the coming days for preparations. All teams in the tournament are guaranteed a minimum of three games, with the potential to play up to five depending on progression.

The semi-finals will be held on June 13, while the final and third-place playoff are scheduled for June 15. All knockout fixtures will be played at the Toyota Stadium and broadcast live on SABC, SuperSport, and FIFA+.