Chambeshi Urges U-20 Chipolopolo to Stay Focused Despite Slow Start

Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON)-winning coach Beston Chambeshi has urged Zambia’s junior national team not to be discouraged by their slow start to the ongoing tournament.

Chambeshi, Zambia’s most successful coach at the U-20 level—having won the COSAFA title, the AfCON, and guided the team to a historic World Cup quarter-final finish—offered words of encouragement following the team’s goalless draw against underdogs Sierra Leone.

Now head coach of National Division One side Konkola Blades and part of the Chipolopolo CHAN technical bench, Chambeshi told BolaNews that while a winning start is ideal, the most important thing is that the team avoided defeat.

“Of course, winning starts are always nice at a tournament, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. The good thing is that the team did not lose,” he said.

Beston Chambeshi. (Photo by Christopher Lee - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) — Beston Chambeshi. (Photo by Christopher Lee – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

With a challenging clash against hosts Egypt looming on Saturday, Chambeshi emphasized the need to focus on the next task rather than dwelling on past results.

“The previous game is gone. We have to look at the game against Egypt—this is what will define what’s next. That’s the game that can change things, not the past one,” he added.

Chambeshi, who also previously served as interim coach of the senior national team, called on fans to rally behind the players, saying: “The boys need everyone’s support. They were not bad in the first game, and I’m sure the coaches will work on the areas that need improvement.”