Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Brian Kunsanama as head coach of the Zambia Under-15 boys’ national team ahead of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
Kunsanama will lead a newly constituted technical bench tasked with preparing Zambia for the global youth tournament, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 22 to 31 October 2026.
FAZ general secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed that Kunsanama will be assisted by Lawrence Lubinda, Josephat Nkhoma, Brian Lubaba and Joyford Mambe.
Former Zambia and Zanaco goalkeeper Racha Kola has been appointed goalkeeper coach, while Mike Mudenda will serve as physical trainer.
The technical bench is completed by Erick Mwanampwaya as team manager, Dr Michael Mbelenge as team doctor, Stanley Malasa as team security officer, Owen Munsaka as physiotherapist and Obbey Mweetwa as equipment manager.
Kunsanama joins the national team setup with experience in youth football, having previously coached Atletico Lusaka before moving to National Division One side Aguila Stars.
Chakatazya said the U-15 technical bench would be responsible for building a competitive team for Zambia’s participation in the inaugural tournament.
He stressed that the squad would be open to all eligible players and was not limited to school-going footballers, although most players at the age group are expected to be in school.
“The newly appointed U-15 technical bench is different from the one exclusively constituted for school-going players, as this team will be open to all eligible players,” Chakatazya said.
Zambia will be among 211 FIFA member associations expected to participate in the first edition of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
The tournament is part of FIFA’s efforts to expand international youth football, with the inaugural edition featuring boys before the girls’ competition is introduced in 2027.
Chakatazya urged the technical bench to use the tournament as an opportunity to develop players who can form the foundation of Zambia’s future national teams.
“This will be an annual tournament, and our coaches must use this platform to build strong youth teams for the future,” he said.
Zambia U-15 technical bench
Head coach: Brian Kunsanama
First assistant coach: Lawrence Lubinda
Assistant coach: Josephat Nkhoma
Assistant coach: Brian Lubaba
Assistant coach: Joyford Mambe
Goalkeeper coach: Racha Kola
Physical trainer: Mike Mudenda
Team manager: Erick Mwanampwaya
Team doctor: Dr Michael Mbelenge
Team security: Stanley Malasa
Physiotherapist: Owen Munsaka
Equipment manager: Obbey Mweetwa
