Zambia will be represented by the FIFA U17 World Cup-bound national team at the upcoming COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship, set to take place from 4–13 July 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia, as part of the Region 5 Youth Games.
The 26-member squad will be led by Coach Aaron Kawangu, who takes charge in the absence of Ian Bakala, currently away on club duty with Caps United in Zimbabwe.
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 high-level preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
GOALKEEPERS
Rogers Simumba (Shamuel Academy), William Zulu (Blaze Academy), Christo Chitambala (CAMCO), Wiseman Nkumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro)
DEFENDERS
Andrew Mwape (Young Zanaco), James Nene Sibeene (Sporting Lusaka), Saviour Mwansa, Emmanuel Mbuti, George Mwale (all Young Crocs), Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)
MIDFIELDERS
Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United), Vincent Mutondo (Central City), Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco), Nthasilwe Malupande (Young Crocs), Mike Bwalya Mutale (Makeni All Stars), Gabriel Phiri (Napsa Stars FC), Gift Mumbi (Game On), Steven Lungu (Morkved)
STRIKERS
Abel Salim Nyirongo, Robert Banda (all Atletico Lusaka FC), Billy Daka (Nkwazi FC), Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Chama Chansa (Young Crocs), Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates), Daniel Silubonde (Mines United), Kelvin Chipelu Mulenga (Forest Rangers)
By FAZ Media
Part of the poor preparations. Compromising on quality opponents. The team had to go through this tournament and got humbled at Afcon u17 where they barely survived the grpup stage.
Now we are going back to the tpurnent that will give them false hope should they triumph or massively discourage them when they dissapoint just like theor Big brothers did.
Anyway FAZ has no money so they say so why not use the COSAFA so we can look like we are innovatively working….
Give these boys better friendly games against european or South American teams.