|By FAZ Media|
The Zambia Under-15 boys and girls national teams have left the country for Zimbabwe to compete in the 2026 CAF African Schools Championship, scheduled to run from April 6 to April 10.
The two squads departed from Prince Charles Hotel in Lusaka’s Makeni area at exactly 11:43 hours on today, brimming with confidence and determination to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
Speaking before departure, boys’ team head coach Everisto Mkandwire expressed optimism about his squad’s readiness, stating that the team is well-prepared to face tough competition.
“The boys have been adequately prepared to compete against other regional champions. The quality of players we have is good enough to face any team at this level,” Mkandwire said.
He added that the team has set its on reaching sights on at least reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.
“Our initial target is to reach the semi-finals and from there, we will push as far as we can,” he said.
Team captain Emmanuel Mpongo echoed his coach’s confidence, emphasizing the team’s ambition to represent the region with pride.
“We are carrying the hopes of our region, and that gives us every reason to fight and conquer,” Mpongo said.
And girls’ team head coach Chisala Chibesa also expressed confidence in her squad’s chances, noting that the team is ready to compete at the highest level.
“We believe in our ability to compete and succeed at this tournament,” Chibesa said.
“We are calling on our fans back home to support us—we are determined to return with the trophy.”
The Zambian teams head into the competition as defending regional champions, having clinched titles at last year’s edition held in South Africa, a feat that has further boosted their confidence ahead of the continental showdown.
