Grant Unveils 25-Member Provisional Squad for June Friendlies as Teen Sensation David Hamansenya Earns Senior Chipolopolo Call-Up

Rising star David Hamansenya has earned his maiden call-up to the senior Zambia national team following a standout performance at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, a move that comes as little surprise to those following the 17-year-old’s meteoric rise.

Currently on the books of Spanish side Leganés U19, Hamansenya was one of the breakout stars of the U20 AFCON, where he wore jersey number 12 and played every minute of Zambia’s four matches. Despite being the youngest player in the squad, he showcased maturity, discipline, and defensive intelligence far beyond his years. He not only emerged as Zambia’s highest-rated defender but also made a critical offensive contribution, registering the team’s only assist of the tournament, setting up Boniface Phiri’s equaliser in the must-win 1–1 draw against South Africa.

The left full-back’s call-up to the Chipolopolo comes ahead of Zambia’s international friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia scheduled during the June FIFA international window. Coach Avram Grant has named a 25-man provisional squad for the two games, which will be played in Morocco on June 6 and 10 respectively. The matches are part of Zambia’s preparation for the September round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will host Morocco before facing Tanzania and Niger in October.

Hamansenya joins a defensive lineup that includes experienced campaigners like Kabaso Chongo, Dominic Chanda, and Benedict Chepeshi. The technical bench is expected to trim the provisional list before the squad departs for Morocco, but Hamansenya’s inclusion is a clear nod to his potential and the bright future ahead.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD HIGHLIGHTS:
Goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata (Zesco), Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Defenders: Gift Mphande (Rishon LeZion-Israel), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain), Benedict Chepeshi (Zesco United)

Midfielders: Benson Sakala (Boleslav Mlada-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys-Switzerland), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Beer’Sheva-Israel), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic), Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai-Saudi Arabia), Joshua Mutale (Simba Sc-Tanzania), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)

Forwards: Patson Daka (Leicester City-England), Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland-Denmark), Clatous Chama , Kennedy Musonda (both Young Africans-Tanzania), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Kelvin Kampamba (Al Medina-Libya), Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland).

With Zambia’s eyes firmly on World Cup qualification and a strong showing at the upcoming AFCON, the emergence of young talents like David Hamansenya offers a promising glimpse into the future of Chipolopolo football.