Captain Jonathan Kalimina and star forward Abel Salim Nyirongo will miss the upcoming COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship, the ZamFoot Crew understands.
Abel Salim Nyirongo who was the star of the 2024 U17 COSAFA Championship leading Zambia to winning gold and subsequently qualifying to AFCON missed Friday’s friendly match against the Gothia Cup bound team.
Nyirongo scored seven goals at the regional showpiece and went on to clinch the golden boot.
The ZamFoot Crew understands that Nyirongo is expected to attend trials at a team in the top five leagues hence being excused from this assignment.
Kalimina, who is the captain of the World Cup bound U17 squad is also expected to miss the tournament as he will attend a training camp with a top team in Central Europe.
The left back was key for the Ian Bakala coached outfit at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations helping Zambia book a place at the World Cup.
The Young Chipolopolo will leave for the upcoming COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship on Monday.
The COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship at the Region V Games will take place from 4th July to 13th July 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The COSAFA U17 champions will compete in Group B, alongside South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana. Hosts Namibia headline Group A, which also includes Angola and Malawi.
FAZ has opted to enter the U17 side into the U20 tournament as part of the team’s continued preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
