Zambia have begun the process of rebuilding their Under-17 Men’s National Team ahead of the 2026 Region 5 Cosafa tournament, with coach Chris Kaunda calling up 40 players for the latest phase of preparations.
The week-long camp, which gets underway in Lusaka on Sunday, is the third stage of the selection process as Zambia look to assemble a squad capable of returning to the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.
Kaunda’s technical bench has already assessed players from different parts of the country during previous selection camps, with the latest group providing another opportunity to identify the strongest prospects before the squad is trimmed further.
The coach is also expected to bring in players who featured in Zambia’s 2025 Under-17 and Under-15 squads as preparations progress.
The Region 5 Cosafa tournament, scheduled for 4-13 December, will carry added importance as the zonal pathway to the next AFCON Under-17 tournament.
Zambia missed the last edition of the continental competition, despite making history at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025.
The junior Chipolopolo reached the quarter-finals on their World Cup debut, raising expectations around the next generation.
Kaunda will therefore have the task of blending players from the current selection process with members of the previous age-group teams as Zambia attempt to turn their promising World Cup experience into another AFCON qualification.
The 40 players selected are:
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Sakala (Matero Academy), Alfonso Mbiya (Rush Sports Academy), Christopher Wamundila (Young Crocs), Willian Zulu (Atletico Lusaka), Chiliez Haakavumba (Shamuel), Friday Kampamba (Zesco).
Defenders: Nicholas Chewe (Shamuel), Moses Shota (My Bro Academy), John Musonda, Lawrence Chibuye (both Billy Pro Sports), Mathews Mulenga, Maybin Phiri (Morkved), Elisha Chikanda (Lubanji Academy), Joseph Sipilingo (Highlands Park, South Africa), Martin Tumbwe (Sporting Lusaka).
Midfielders: Winter Moyo (Matero Academy), Collins Mwale (Nangweshi Pirates), Paulsen Chibwalo (Muza), Joseph Chizawu, Steven Lungu (both Morkved), Emmanuel Chisenga, Eugene Mwansa (Nkhani), Clatus Chama (Gomes), Temwani Simfukwe (Atletico Lusaka), Harrison Wina (Young Crocs), Cacious Tembo (Kansanshi Dynamos), Ray Makesa (Mamba Energy), Selisho Bwalya (Napsa Stars).
Attackers: Albert Kunda (Morden), Jonathan Tembo (Superlade), Peter Chama (Kalomo Jetters), David Mwansa, Moses Haambeli (both Billy Pro Sports), Willian Mwachiyaba, Patrick Mukwasa (both Maestro Academy), Faithful Tumbama (Aguila Stars), Necious Chongo (Kawambwa), Maxeni Msimuko (Young Crocs), Alfred Chisha (Kapiri), Samuel Musanda (Sporting Lusaka).
