Ian Bakala, the head coach of the Zambia U16 Men’s National Team, is pleased with the progress of the players from rural areas.
The team is currently in Ivory Coast to compete in the FIFA Talent Development Programme, a six-nation tournament that will take place from September 3rd to 9th, 2024.
The tournament’s goal is to help FIFA’s member associations reach their full potential and close regional competitiveness gaps.
Speaking to FAZ media, Bakala expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress.
“When we started, players had faced some difficulties, but later on, after talking to them, they are coming up, and there is a big difference. We have been talking to the players, especially the ones that came from rural areas; there is so much improvement.
“At the moment the boys are looking good despite the time we came in; I think there is much improvement this time. I think it’s a good idea that a lot of players who came from the province show their talent here, and as coaches, I think we have seen good players in it,” said Bakala.
Zambia is among the six teams, which include; South Africa, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Morocco, and Tanzania participating in the competition.
Each team will play three games with Zambia taking on Tanzania today before battling it out with Morocco on Thursday.
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