Zambian football has produced some exciting gems since time in memorial, the likes of Godfrey Ucar Chitalu, Alex Chola, Gibby Mbasela, Kalusha Bwalya, Collins Mbesuma, Emmanuel Mayuka, Enock Mwepu among others.

The class of 2017 U-20 National Team brought out a number of exciting players including Mwepu and Patson who even ended up playing in the English Premier League. 

After that the biggest prospects that have come up are Lameck Banda and Klings Kangwa. 

The duo moved together to Russia to join Arsenal Tula. Kangwa then moved to Serbia to join Crvena Zvezda and Banda moved to Italy to become the first Zambian to play in Serie A. 

The nation is now waiting for the next big prospect to come out of the Southern African country. 

The ZamFoot Crew now looks at two youngsters who have the potential to become the next big things in the country’s production pipeline. 

Bonaphesio Phiri

The striker may not be a very familiar name for Zambian fans as he has not played a lot of football on the local scene. 

The young forward was among the six Kafue Celtic players who remained back in Georgia in June after a tour of Eastern Europe where they played three friendly matches on the sidelines of the Euro U21 Championship.

In July, Phiri led the group of six Celtic players who signed professional contracts with FC Locomotive Tbilisi. 

Two months ago Phiri scored a brace for the Georgian top tier side as they played to a 2-2 draw with Telev in a friendly match.The 18 year old grabbed both goals.

Phiri is on a seasonal loan from Kafue Celtic. The Petauke native has already impressed in Eastern Europe.

Former Chipolopolo Boys forward Nchimunya Mweetwa who coached the youngster during his days at Kafue Celtic believes he has the potential to become a top player. 

The ZamFoot Crew will keep tabs on the teenager to see if his potential is realised but he has a lot of hard work and discipline ahead of him for the dream to be realised. 

LEWIS MWACHISEMO  – A generational talent

Pace, skill, finishing and a workaholic describes the Sporting Lusaka midfielder. 

The teenager may be playing in the Lusaka FAZ Provincial lower tier league a the moment but has already caught the eye of a number of European sides. 

The ZamFoot Crew understands that Mwachisemo could be heading to Europe for assessment soon. 

As Sporting Lusaka saw off Kamanga Warriors 5-2 in a rescheduled week 2 encounter, Mwachisemo was again at the centre of the action being involved in almost all the goals, getting one for himself as well. 

He has already notched up 9 goals and set up seven as at week eight of the lower tier league. 

He has the potential to become the next big thing if he stays disciplined and continues to work hard honing his craft.