Chipolopolo interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina is set to name his squad for this month’s Botswana Four Nations Tournament.
Lwandamina took over the national team reins from Moses Sichone following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The tournament will run from 23rd to 31st March 2026 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.
The experienced coach has returned to the Chipolopolo dugout having previously served as national team coach between 2015 and 2016, before making way for Wedson Nyirenda. He is currently in charge of Nchanga Rangers in the MTN Super League.
Lwandamina is expected to name a strong squad, with the tournament falling within the FIFA international window, meaning most foreign-based players will be available for selection.
Among the key players expected to lead the attack are Leicester City forward Patson Daka, US Lecce forward Lameck Banda, Al Fayha forward Fashion Sakala, and Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder Klings Kangwa is already in the country following the instability in the region amid the USA–Israel–Iran conflict.
On the domestic front, players such as Albert Kangwanda, Dominic Chanda, Elijah Mandanji, Given Kalusa, Kelvin Mwanza, and Elliot Kampukesa are also expected to be in contention for places in the squad.
It will also be interesting to see whether Lwandamina hands opportunities to some of the country’s exciting young prospects, including Jonathan Kalimina, James Sibeene, Lewis Mwachisemo, Victor Simazuwo, and Abel Salim Nyirongo.
Hosts Botswana will welcome 2012 AFCON champions Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe for the regional tournament, which will feature the senior men’s national teams of the four participating nations during the March FIFA international window.
The competition will provide the Chipolopolo Boys with a valuable platform to begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
A draw will determine the two semifinal fixtures, with the winners advancing to the final while the losing teams will face off in the third-place playoff.
