Zambia national team coach Wedson Nyirenda says he has enough quality in his squad to deliver results at the 2025 COSAFA Cup, which kicks off today in South Africa.
The Chipolopolo boys departed for South Africa on Wednesday morning, determined to make a strong statement in this year’s edition of the regional tournament.
Zambia is placed in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana, and will open their campaign against Comoros on Friday, 6th June, before facing Botswana on Wednesday, 11th June.
Nyirenda has named a 25-man squad composed entirely of players from the local league, blending youthful talent with experienced campaigners. Expectations are high for a solid performance, especially after Zambia’s early exit in the last edition of the tournament.
“These are the players that we have and I think we are happy with the selections that we have done,” Nyirenda said. “We have chosen these players to go and do duty for the nation for this tournament and when we come back, the other players will join and begin to compete for the CHAN tournament.”
He added: “Zambia is a footballing nation. Our supporters and fans won’t settle for less. There is no friendly tournament; there is no small tournament in Zambia. As long as we put on that flag, we must win. That’s what our motto is.”
Zambia has a proud COSAFA record, having won the COSAFA Cup six times. After falling short in recent years, Nyirenda’s men will be looking to redeem themselves and challenge for regional glory once again.
