Out of more than 180 players drawn from across the country by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in a nationwide talent search, only two have advanced to the final round. The grand finale is set for Wednesday at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 hours.
FAZ conducted national team trials, bringing together players from all ten provinces, divided into two groups: one representing the Copperbelt zone and the other representing the Midlands zone. Each group consisted of five provinces. After the initial selection, 30 players were chosen from each zone to compete against an all-star select side comprising players from the Zambian Super League.
Of the 60 players who participated in these matches, only a handful made an impression. Following a competitive match on the Copperbelt, FAZ released the final list of players who will take part in the last round of national team trials in Lusaka.
Among those selected are two from Southern Province: midfielder Kapembwa Sinyangwe of New Monze Swallows and Choolwe Hampongo, a defender from BARTS FC, as well as Jackson Chisekela, a midfielder from Neelkanth FC from the Copperbelt. These three players will join a select side that blends Super League and National Division One players, focussing on those not regularly featured in national team duties.
Coach Avram Grant’s all-star team, composed of local national team regulars, will face Wedson Nyirenda’s select side. The match is designed to finalize the list of players who will be considered for national team selection. The stage is set for an intense showdown as Zambia’s football future hangs in the balance.
ALL STARS SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers),
DEFENDERS: Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Benedict Chepeshi. Tandi Mwape (both ZESCO United), Pride Mwansa, John Soko (both Power Dynamos),
MIDFIELDERS: Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers), John Kosamu, Dominic Kanda, Peter Kalota (all ZANACO FC), Abraham Siankombo (ZESCO United). Saddam Yusuf Phiri (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mwanza, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi FC), Charles Zulu (Nkana FC)
STRIKERS: Ricky Banda, Angel Lubamba (both Red Arrows), Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA), Chipo Sondashi (Green Buffaloes)
THE REST SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Gwazani Banda (Mutondo Stars), Lameck Siame (ZANACO FC), Jeban Tembo (Red Arrows),
DEFENDERS: William Kamwanga (Lumwana Radiants), Chanda Chileshe (FC MUZA), Mwape Mwenya, Prosper Chiluya (both ZANACO FC). Emmanuel Chembe (Nchanga Rangers), Mweene Mumbi, Chilimba Moonga (both Green Buffaloes), Christopher Mhango (ZANACO FC), Choolwe Hampongo (Barts FC).
MIDFIELDERS: Simon Chipanama, Abel Kanyamuna (both Atletico Lusaka), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers), Kapembwa Sinyangwe (New Monze Swallows). Jackson Chisekela (Neelkanth FC), Francis Mubanga (Konkola Blades FC), Titus Chansa (Mutondo Stars FC). Simon Tonga (Kabwe Warriors), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana FC)
STRIKERS: Emmanuel Manda (FC MUZA), Eliya Mandanji (Kafue Celtic), Martin Ndhlovu, Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes)
