Zambia national team assistant coach Moses Sichone says there are no guaranteed spots in the final Chipolopolo squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The local squad has intensified preparations ahead of the tournament, which kicks off this weekend.

Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola in a competition jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The final is scheduled for August 30.

Speaking in Lusaka, Sichone said the technical bench has observed steady progress in the players’ fitness levels, despite them coming off a pre-season phase.

“We have seen a lot of improvement. It’s not easy since we are aware that the guys are just coming back from their preparations [preseason], but we are positive, looking at everyday improvement,” he said.

“The competition is there. Ever since we started training, we had to tell the guys that it’s not an obvious thing—everyone has to fight for the position, and everyone is geared, fighting for his position.”

CHAN a Pathway to AFCON Squad- Sichone

He also reaffirmed that CHAN could be a stepping stone for players aiming to be part of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad later this year.

“We are taking this CHAN very serious, and one of the guys that maybe might do well during this tournament also stands the chance to be part of the AFCON. Of course, Zambia has never won this tournament, so, we are doing everything to make sure that maybe we might be able to bring the trophy back home,” he added.

Although Zambia has never won CHAN, Sichone believes this could be the year that changes.

“The first important thing is the guys to know why are we here and why are we going there for. We are here to prepare adequately, mentally and also physically. We are going there not only to go and participate, but to compete,” he said.

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