Chipolopolo midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has resumed normal training three months after undergoing an operation that had ruled him out of action for club and country.

The skilful midfielder who is on the books of Swiss side Young Boys picked up an injury in Zambia’s scoreless draw against Chad in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on October 11, 2024.  

The player tore his ankle ligaments in his right leg.

After being ruled out of action for the rest of 2024, there is some positive news as he has returned to training last Saturday as his side shape up for the resumption of the Swiss league on January 18.

Presently, Young Boys have lined up three international friendly matches and it will be interesting to see if Chaiwa will make the matchday squad for this evening’s game against Sepsi OSK Ghenrghe of Romania under new manager Giorgio Contini.

Chaiwa’s return a boost for Chipolopolo

The news of Chaiwa’s return from injury should also excite Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant as he prepares the team for a busy 2025.

This year, Zambia has the World Cup qualifiers to complete with four crucial matches lined up.

Zambia will play Congo Brazzaville on March 22 before hosting the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists in Morocco on September 6.

Chipolopolo, who are on a three-match losing run in the World Cup qualifiers, will then make a short trip to Tanzania with the view of avenging the 1-0 loss suffered to the Taifa Stars. Their last game of the qualifiers will be on October 11 against Niger.

After the World Cup qualifiers, the team will then shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON), which will be played in Morocco.

Having missed the team’s last three matches, Grant will hope Chaiwa will be fit enough for the next four crucial matches.