Zambia’s latest call-up to the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON)-bound squad, Jaedyn Chibanga, has expressed his gratitude after receiving his first national team summons.
On Friday, coach Body Mulwanda named his provisional squad for the upcoming tournament, which features two England-based players — Trywell Giwa of Luton Town and Jaedyn Chibanga, formerly of Hull City — along with 11 other foreign-based players, including rising star Joseph Sabobo Banda.
Speaking exclusively to BolaNews, Chibanga, who was born in Doncaster to Felli Swales and Zambian father Fungai Chibanga, shared his excitement about the long-awaited call-up.
“The call-up to the national team has been a goal for a few years now, and to have finally got there is a great feeling,” he told BolaNews.
Chibanga Seeks New Opportunity After Hull City Contract Ends, Aims to Shine on AFCON Stage
Chibanga, a winger, signed a two-year scholarship with Hull City in June 2022, later securing a professional contract with the English club last year. Over the course of his scholarship, he became a key figure for the Under-18s.
The Doncaster-born forward also made an impact with the Under-21s last season, appearing in 10 matches, registering one assist, and scoring in a 4-3 victory over Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium. However, his contract has not been renewed, and he is now seeking new opportunities.
“My career so far has been fairly smooth sailing up until this week when I unfortunately didn’t get another contract at Hull City,” Chibanga disclosed. “My expectations are to hopefully prove myself on a huge stage to the whole of Africa.”
The 19-year-old, who recently had a loan spell with North Ferriby, made his Under-18 debut for Hull City in the 2021/22 season during a 3-1 win over Colchester United at the MKM Stadium.
He also featured in the team’s 2-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra in October 2021 and made several appearances for the Under-21s during his scholarship. In October 2023, he earned his first Under-21 start of the 2023/24 season in a 3-1 win over Barnsley in the Professional Development League.
The Patson Daka Inspiration
Chibanga also revealed his admiration for Leicester City striker Patson Daka, noting that it’s a dream to one day play alongside him.
“Patson Daka was great, I thought, at Leicester and I always looked at him as someone I’d hopefully get to play with,” he said.
Chibanga is expected to join the rest of the squad in camp as preparations intensify for the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to kick off on April 26 in Egypt.
Zambia, the 2017 AFCON U-20 champions, are drawn in Group C alongside Senegal, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.
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