Chipolopolo Unveil 35-Man Provisional Squad for 2025 COSAFA Cup
Zambia has named a 36-man provisional squad ahead of the 2025 COSAFA Cup tournament set to take place in South Africa from June 3 to 15.
Grouped in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana, the Chipolopolo are determined to bounce back from last year’s disappointing campaign with a revitalized squad that blends seasoned Super League stalwarts and emerging talents from the Zambia National League, MTN Super League, and Lusaka and Southern Province Division One.
The squad, obtained by Full-time Zambia, is composed entirely of home-based players and is expected to be managed by veteran coach Wedson Nyirenda, with a clear focus on building depth and testing fresh legs ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
Goalkeepers:
Between the sticks, Zambia has called up four goalkeepers, including Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), and Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).
Defence:
The central defense is anchored by experienced campaigners like Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Kilian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), and promising youngster Jackson Phiri (Barts FC). The full-back slots are well-covered, with Kedrick Mumba (Nkana) and Fred Mwiche (ZESCO United) on the left, and Mathews Banda (Nkana), Fredrick Mwimanzi (ZANACO), and Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos) on the right.
Midfield:
Zambia’s midfield engine room features Kelvin Kapumbu (ZANACO), Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers), Luka Mutoshi (Nkwazi), and Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos). Attacking responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Fredrick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), and Anthony Chiyuka (ZESCO United).
Wide Players:
In the wide areas, the right flank boasts pace and flair from the likes of Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi), Charles Zulu (Nkana), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), and Martin Nweemba (Barts FC). On the left, Timothy Sichalwe (Atletico Lusaka), Abraham Siankombo (ZESCO United), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers), and Kelvin Mwanza (ZESCO United) provide plenty of options.
Attack:
Leading the frontline will be second strikers Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos) and Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), while out-and-out forwards include Andrew Phiri (FC Muza), Evans Kayombo (NAPSA Stars), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Simon Mulenga (Green Eagles), and Kenani Phiri (Makeni All Stars).
With preparations intensifying, the technical bench is expected to trim the squad closer to the tournament. Zambia will be looking to restore pride and mount a serious challenge for regional honours when the COSAFA Cup kicks off next month.
