FAZ Appoints Dennis Makinka as Under-17 Coach

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced the appointment of Dennis Makinka as head coach of the Zambia Under-17 boys’ national team ahead of next month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed the appointment, noting that Makinka, who previously served as assistant coach for the team, will be assisted by former Chipolopolo midfielder William Njovu, while Charles Musonda retains his role as technical adviser.

“Makinka will now lead the junior Chipolopolo at the FIFA World Cup,” said Shepande.

Meanwhile, FAZ has named a 44-member provisional squad, which includes several foreign-based players, as part of preparations for the global tournament. Among the notable foreign call-ups are Kachinga Dickson Siame (Aston Villa, England), Lucas Theodore Daka (Reading FC, England), Alinani Nicolas Sichinga (HIK Copenhagen, Denmark), Steven Lungu (Morkved Sportsklubb, Norway), and Fredrick Ngululu (Russia).

The team goes into camp in Lusaka today before shifting base to Dubai on October 20, where they will play three high-profile friendly matches before proceeding to Qatar on October 31 for the tournament kickoff.

Zambia, drawn in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia, will begin their campaign against Indonesia on November 4, followed by Honduras on November 7, and Brazil on November 10, with all matches scheduled for Doha.

FAZ is expected to announce the full lineup of pre-tournament friendlies later this week as part of the team’s final preparations.