FIFA has announced the dates for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016.
The tournament, which will be played between 8-18 December, features the six continental club champions and a representative of the host nation.
Africa’s representatives are yet to be determined with Zambia’s champions Zesco United among the eight teams in contention for a spot at the prestigious tournament.
Zesco however have to negotiate their way to the Africa Champions League title to claim the spot to Japan.
2014 FIFA Club World Cup champions Real Madrid were the most recent club to book their ticket to Japan when they won the UEFA Champions League in May, with South America’s representative to be determined when the Copa Libertadores final is played later this month.
The two other confirmed participants are Club America (CONCACAF) and Auckland City FC (OFC) who both won their respective continental championships in April.
They will eventually be joined by the winners of the AFC Champions League winners and the CAF Champions League, as well as the J.League champions representing the host nation.
Zambia players Rainford Kalaba, Given Singuluma, Kabaso Chongo and Nathan Sinkala all played in the 2015Â FIFA Club World Cup with reigning Africa Champions TP Mazembe.
Mazembe are however not in contention for a place at the 2016 finals after they were dumped out of the CAF Champions League before the group stage of the tournament.
ZEGA WE ARE STILL PUSHING.