The Chipolopolo Boys shipped five goals against Russia in Moscow in the absence of veteran defender Stopilla Sunzu. Pairing Kabaso Chongo and Gift Mphande in central defence, Zambia’s backline was at sixes and sevens on Tuesday.
Sunzu, 35, has been an instrumental player for the Copper Bullets under Avram Grant, using his towering physique, wit and experience to keep strikers at bay. However, Zambia’s humiliating loss to Russia raises growing concerns about their dependence on the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final penalty shootout hero.
With Sunzu not getting any younger, BolaNews compiles a list of five young centre-backs that can fill his boots.
Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows FC, Zambia)
One of the highly rated young defenders in the country, Happy Nsiku brings leadership, grit and acumen in defence. Aged just 20, he has regularly featured for the U20 and U23 Zambian national teams since 2022.
Nsiku kept an impressive four clean sheets in five matches at the 2022 U20 COSAFA Cup, helping Zambia claim the gold in Eswatini. The defensive prodigy was also instrumental for the Young Chipolopolo at the 2024 edition, during which they qualified for the 2025 U20 AFCON.
Currently on the books of Zambian Super League champions Red Arrows, Nsiku has started nine league matches this term. His captivating performances for club and country saw him earn a spot on Wedson Nyirenda’s provisional squad for the 2024 CHAN, which will be played this year.
Gift Mphande (Hapoel Rishon Lezion, Israel)
Despite being guilty of conceding five goals against Russia, Gift Mphande remains a top prospect for the Chipolopolo Boys. He is capable of playing any position in the backline, making dangerous runs and crosses as a fullback and proficiently snuffing out danger when deployed as a centre-back.
Mphande made his senior debut for Zambia in November 2023 during a 2-1 loss to Niger in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and has since earned 10 caps. The defender was part of the Chipolopolo Boys squad that took part in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Hailing from Misisi compound in Lusaka, he currently plays for Hapoel Rishon Lezion in the Israeli second tier, having signed permanently from Atletico Lusaka FC in 2024.
Ricky Chanda (FC Nõmme United, Estonia)
Ricky Chanda is another player that could lead the Copper Bullets’ defence for the next decade. He has previously represented Zambia at the U17 COSAFA Cup, helping them reach the final in 2020 and 2021.
Known for his mix of tenacity off the ball and composure in possession, Chanda played for Barça Academy, captained Atletico Lusaka and featured for City of Lusaka before moving overseas. He initially joined Stal Rzeszów of Poland in 2023 before making a switch to Lithuanian side FK Riteriai a year later.
Chanda was impeccable at the back for Riteriai, where he scored two goals and kept 10 clean sheets in 17 matches in the 2024 season. He won the 1 Lyga Championship, guiding the Lithuanian outfit to topflight promotion.
Jadel Katongo (Peterborough United, on loan from Man City, England)
Born to a Zambian father and British mother in Manchester, England, Jadel Katongo is an exceptional ball playing centre back. He is a product of a Manchester City academy whose philosophy and playing style has been shaped by Pep Guardiola.
At international level, Katongo has represented England’s U15, U16, U17, U18 and U20 sides. Despite showing interest in playing for Zambia and being called up for the 2023 U-23 AFCON qualifiers in March 2023, the prospect of him switching international allegiance remains in doubt.
According to BolaNews, his handlers are skeptical about the switch given the possibility of him representing England’s senior national team. At the moment, Katongo is in the ranks of Peterborough United in the English League One, on loan from Manchester City.
David Hamansenya (Shamuel Academy, Zambia)
Hamansenya originates from Mtendere township in Lusaka, which also produced former Chipolopolo striker Fwayo Tembo. The youngster’s versatility enables him to excel as a central defender, left back or midfielder.
His impressive performances at the 2022 COSAFA U17 Championship helped Zambia secure the title. He started every match at the subsequent U17 AFCON in Algeria as the Junior Chipolopolo endured a group stage exit.
Hamansenya, 17, was the youngest player in Wedson Nyirenda’s provisional squad for the 2024 CHAN, which was postponed from February to August this year.
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