THE Zambia U-17 national football team is currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, as they prepare to defend their COSAFA U-17 title.
The team, a four-time champion of the tournament, arrived safely following a 45-minute flight from Lusaka yesterday.
Veteran coach Chris Kaunda has been called upon to lead the team at the qualifiers.
He will stand in for head coach Ian Bakala and assistant coach Emmanuel Siwale, who are both unavailable due to club commitments.
Bakala is currently with his club, CAPS United, while Siwale has been recalled by Zesco United for continental assignments.
Kaunda, a familiar face in the Zambian youth football scene, previously coached the U-17 team at the 2015 AfCON, a squad that featured current senior national team star Patson Daka.
He will be assisted by Clive Hachilensa, Francis Kombe, and Douglas Mwamba.
The young Chipolopolo are set to embark on a challenging campaign as they aim to secure one of the top four spots, which will guarantee a place at the 2025 AFCON tournament.
They have been drawn in a tough Group B alongside regional rivals South Africa, Malawi, and Madagascar.
Zambia will kick off their title defense on Friday, September 12, 2025, with a highly anticipated clash against South Africa at Ngoni Mwos Stadium.
Chipolopolo Boys will then face Malawi on Sunday, September 14, at Hearts Stadium, before concluding their group stage matches against Madagascar on Tuesday, September 16, at the same stadium.
Here is the full squad list:
Goalkeepers:William Zulu (Atletico Lusaka) and Christopher Wamundila (Junior Crocs)
Defenders: Emmanuel Mbuti (Young Crocs)
Danivar Sianchongwe (Titans FC)
Bright Phiri (Atletico Lusaka)
Levison Banda (Superade Academy)
Pablo Ndalama (Dream Factory)
Midfielders: Joseph Chizawu
Steven Lungu (Morkved Academy)
Gift Mumbi (Shamuel FC)
Ntasiwile Malupande (Kafue Celtic)
Nelson Chilemu (Kafue Celtic)
Temwani Siamfukwe (Atletico Lusaka)
Strikers: Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers)
Mambwe Kalusa (Atletico Lusaka)
Reuben Kampamba (Shamuel FC)
Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars)
Albert Kunda (Demofras Academy)
Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates)
Caleb Musonda (Young Crocs)
By Mukwima Chilala in Harare
Kalemba September 10, 2025
