As the country gets ready for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, former Zambian international winger Clifford Mulenga has called on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to make the most of school football competitions.
Mulenga says Zambia must now shift its energy towards rebuilding after missing out on the 2026 U17 AfCON and the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.
He stressed that the next crucial target will be the 2026 COSAFA U17 AfCON qualifiers.
According to him, groundwork must begin now—and school football provides the perfect foundation.
The CAF African Schools Championship, takes place from 5–7 December 2025 in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
He said Zambia must not allow this opportunity to slip away.
“The biggest engagement will be the 2026 COSAFA AfCON qualifiers for 2027… Let us not miss this opportunity to build a team that will compete.”
Mulenga highlighted how other countries have used the schools’ championship as a launchpad for international success, most notably South Africa.
“Monitor young talent” – Mulenga.
South Africa has won the last three editions of the tournaments.
“It’s about player development and exposure. Let us allow the school kids to dream as well.”
He also reinforced the importance of maintaining the tournament’s integrity by ensuring only eligible school-going children participate.
“The tournament is for kids born in 2011 and 2012… You can’t have a child who is in Grade 11 or Grade 12 and school leavers playing professional football competing in such tournaments,” he cautioned.
The former AfCON winner believes consistent monitoring and proper use of school competitions can help Zambia build a strong team capable of competing at regional and global youth tournaments in the coming years.
