The build up to the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will see the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) stage an All Stars versus The Rest match at Nkoloma Stadium next Tuesday.
Under-17 National Team coach Ian Bakala will lead his All-Stars team while Aaron Kawangu will lead The Rest team.
The Rest team will comprise players selected from the provinces by technical experts with a panel of legends and technical experts tasked with screening the candidates.
Among the technical experts expected to keep watch on the process are national team assistant coach Moses Sichone, 2012 AFCON winning skipper Christopher Katongo, Moomba Ng’andu and 2012 golden boot winner Emmanuel Mayuka.
Candidates featuring in this exhibition match will be required to be of the requisite age.
CAF prescribes a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination for participants at the Under-17 AFCON.
The Under-17 AFCON will be held from April 29-May 19 in Algeria with Zambia in Group B alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa.
ALL STARS & THE REST PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Shadreck Kalyati (Chainda Bombers), Anthony Matafwali (Nangweshi Pirates), Elvis Lungu (Real Nakonde), Gift Tembo (Pataaki)
(DEFENDERS)
Aaron Simpasa (Kafue Celtic), Chimuka Lweendo (Atletico), Mambwe Mbulo (Morden Skills), David Hamansenya (Shamuel), Milimo Nalumango (DFIB Germany), Miyanda Malama, Josiah Kabandula (both Young Napsa Stars), Gift Mumba (Muchinga Blue Eagles), Benjamin Mukuka (Sporting Lusaka), Taonga Mkandawire (Ama Soccer Academy), Jonathan Kaliminia (Young Kafue Celtic), Sekanji Siame (Konkola Blades), Charles Kampamba (Sate Sate Academy)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Samson Malaya, Joseph Liteta (Athletico), Bunonge Bunonge (Nangweshi Pirates), Obvious Mwaliteta Junior (Kabs Academy), Ronnie Musakanya (Makeni All Stars), Israel Simbeya (Nakonde Warriors), Aaron Mbermba Phiri (Kafue Celtic), Webster Makungu (Stay Pure Academy), Stanley Nyamikwe (Pataki), Joseph Mwewa (Ama Soccer Academy), Kelvin Phiri (Janza Soccer Academy), James Sibeena (Football Chance), Litiya Litiya (Touch Sport Academy), Johsua Nkhosi, Coombo Tembo (both American School)
(STRIKERS)
Emmanuel Mwanza (Kafue Celtic), Luketekelo Kapowa (Mokved), Caleb Musonda (Soccer Execellence Academy), Marcel Zimba (Athletico), Lineker Mbesuma (Jomo Cosmos-RSA), Andrew Phiri (Game On FC), Josim Sikazwe (Kanyama Lions), Godwin Mumba (Luyando Foundation), Hansen Mwaba (Superade).
How long have the “rest” been camped for this important engagement?! And if new players are unearthed, what will selectors decide on who to pick and drop? I just hope and pray unanimous decisions will hold sway.