COSAFA Kings Arrive: Quest on the 8th Title Zambia Begin
The Zambia national football team, Chipolopolo, arrived in Bloemfontein, South Africa, ahead of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup, which officially kicked off today. The team departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka with their sights set on extending their record to an eighth COSAFA Cup title.
Upon arrival, the team set up camp at the Premier Splendid Inn in Bloemfontein where final preparations are underway. Zambia has been drawn in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana in a three-team pool, with only the group winner guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament, which runs until June 15.
Chipolopolo will kick off their campaign with a group opener against Comoros on Friday, June 6, before facing Botswana on Wednesday, June 11.
Head coach Wedson Nyirenda expressed confidence in his locally assembled 23-man squad, highlighting its balance of youth and experience.
“These are the players we have, and we believe in them,” Nyirenda said before departure. “We’ve blended youth with seasoned talent from the domestic league, and we’re confident they can deliver.”
Nyirenda emphasized that the COSAFA Cup is not just a tournament for silverware but also part of the team’s long-term preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“Zambia is a footballing nation. Our fans don’t settle for less, and for us, there’s no such thing as a small tournament. Once you wear the national jersey, you must deliver,” he said. “We are going there for a key mission, to win and build.”
The squad boasts some of the finest performers from the Zambian Super League, including 2024/25 Player of the Season Owen Tembo and Golden Boot winner Titus Chansa, both of Power Dynamos. Also earning call-ups are in-form players like Jackson Phiri (Barts FC), David Mumba (Konkola Blades), and Nkana captain Harrison Chisala.
“We’re going with no injuries, no complaints. The boys are positive and committed to the cause,” added Nyirenda.
Zambia’s impressive record in the regional tournament stands at seven championships (1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023) and six runner-up finishes. The team will be hoping to add another chapter of glory to their storied COSAFA history.
Final Squad List – Zambia 2025 COSAFA Cup
Goalkeepers:
David Mumba (Konkola Blades), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
Defenders:
Fred Mwiche (Zesco United), Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Frederick Mwimanzi (Zanaco), John Soko (Power Dynamos), Jackson Phiri (Barts FC), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Tinkler Sinkala (Kabwe Warriors)
Midfielders:
Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Charles Zulu (Nkana), Kelvin Mwanza (MUZA FC), Frederick Mulambia, Owen Tembo (both Power Dynamos), Abraham Siankombo, Leonard Mulenga (both Zesco United)
Forwards:
Andrew Phiri (MUZA FC), Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars)
As the countdown to Zambia’s kick-off nears zero, fans at home and in the diaspora will be hoping their Chipolopolo deliver yet another triumphant COSAFA campaign.
