In Southern Africa, the nurturing and development of young footballers in the region has been a top priority, reflected by the consistency in organising youth competitions. Ranging from U15 to U20 levels, these tournaments have served as a stepping stone for budding talents and a scouting hub for clubs on the continent and overseas.
Zambian football, in particular, has taken important strides in the right direction owing to the participation of its young players in COSAFA youth tournaments.
BolaNews turns back the pages to look at the exciting Zambian side that starred at the 2024 U20 COSAFA Cup and trace where the starting XI from the final are now.
GOALKEEPER
GK: Levison Banda
Banda made headlines at the 2024 U20 COSAFA Cup for his heroics between the sticks. The goalkeeper doubled down on his impressive exploits, featuring in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage best XI while keeping three clean sheets in four matches. He still plays for ZESCO United FC as an understudy to Phillip Sakauta.
DEFENDERS
RB: Mathews Banda
Banda career has taken an upward trajectory since. He is now a starter for the senior Chipolopolo Boys side, putting up some solid performances at the just-ended 2025 AFCON. The youngster, who became a fan favorite at Nkana, will now don the colours of Bohemians Praha in the Czech Republic following his transfer from Kafue Celtic.
CB: Happy Nsiku
The promising centre-back still plies his trade at Red Arrows FC. Though yet to earn a starting berth at the Nkoloma Stadium, Nsiku remains a valuable asset to the Airmen’s squad.
CB: Fostine Mwenya
Mwenya, who was Nsiku’s defensive partner at the 2024 U20 COSAFA Cup, is also stationed at Red Arrows FC, training with the 2024 FAZ MTN Zambian Super League winners.
LB: Samson Ngulube
Ngulube finally got his big move during the current transfer window, signing for Finnish outfit IFK Mariehamn from Zambian second-tier side Kafue Celtic. The left-back penned a two-year deal with the club with an option to extend for another year.
MIDFIELDERS
DM: Aaron Mbemba Phiri
Another Kafue Celtic product representing their badge abroad, Mbemba joined Spanish club Cádiz CF in early 2025 on a four-year deal. Initially assigned to the youth team, he now features for Cadiz B in the Spanish Tercera Federacion.
CM: David Simukonda
Now a regular with the senior Chipolopolo squad, the midfield phenomenon recently got on the books of Ceramica Cleopatra of Egypt from Ndola giants ZESCO United FC.
CM: Perkins Mumba Mwale
Perkins Mumba Mwale lines up for Green Buffaloes in the Zambian Super League as he did two years ago. He has a good number of starts under his belt with the Zambian Army-sponsored side.
FORWARDS
WF: Pascal Phiri
Egyptian fans became conversant with Pascal Phiri’s game earlier in the season when he put on a show against Al Masry in the CAF Confederations Cup. Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC quickly snapped him up from ZESCO United, keeping him in Cairo until 2029.
WF: Emmanuel Mwanza
Following unsuccessful loan spells with NAPSA Stars and Nkana, Mwanza signed for ZESCO United FC from Kafue Celtic during the January transfer window. Being the talisman of this starting XI, expectations were high for the youngster, who will aim to rekindle his career at Zega Mambo.
ST: Patrick Simwiinga
Simwiinga of Red Arrows FC was loaned to newly promoted side Mines United this year. The centre forward will look to impress in Kabwe in his bid to become the top striker for the Airmen.
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