ZAMBIA’s Under-17 national team rising up to the age gap are ready to light up the Region 5 COSAFA U-20 Games tomorrow when they lock horns with their familiar foes, South Africa.
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The two sides will clash in their opening Group B match at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia, with kick-off set for 15:00 CAT.
Despite being the youngest squad in the tournament, Zambia’s boys are not here for sightseeing.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Chipolopolo under-20 head coach Aaron Kawangu says his lads are fired up and ready to give it their all in what he describes as a very crucial assignment.
“This tournament is very crucial for the Under-17s. We know it’s an Under-20 competition, but we have been given this opportunity as preparation for the World Cup, so we take it very seriously,” Kawangu said.
The coach admitted that facing older opponents will be no easy walk in the park, but insisted that his boys have a solid strategy to shock the South Africans and start the tournament on a high note.
“South Africa has always been a tricky team, but we have played them before, and we believe we have strategised well enough for this game. Yes, it’ll be tough, but we are ready to take up the task,” Kawangu added.
Meanwhile, team captain James Sibene is equally confident, players are determined to set the pace early and make Zambians proud back home.
“Our target for this tournament is to make Mother Zambia proud, and it’s important to win the first game because it will be our eye opener,” Sibene declared.
With high spirits and eyes firmly on the trophy, the young Zambian guns are ready to fight for glory, starting with tomorrow’s heavyweight clash.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 4, 2025
