The Zambia National Team has settled in Francistown ahead of the Mukuru Four-Nations Tournament that kicks off this Saturday.
The Chipolopolo Boys held their first training session on Wednesday evening at the Adansonia Hotel training pitch as part of their preparations.
The technical bench is led by assistant coach Osward Mutapa, who is being complemented by Numba Mumamba as first assistant and George Chilufya as second assistant.
Chintu Kampamba has been assigned as physical trainer, while Mike Poto takes charge of the goalkeepers. Lemekani Mwanza is serving as video analyst, with Major Sipuka Ndaba as team doctor.
These roles are specific to the four-nations tournament. Zambia are scheduled to face Malawi on Saturday at 15:00 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Chipolopolo assistant coach Oswald Mutapa will lead the assignment in Botswana in the absence of head coach George Lwandamina, who will be in Buenos Aires for the Argentina friendly.
FAZ has beefed up the Mutapa-led technical bench for the Mukuru Four-Nations. It now includes Numba Mumamba as first assistant and George Chilufya as second assistant coach. Chintu Kampamba has been named physical trainer, while Mike Poto takes up the role of goalkeeper coach.
Copper Queens video analyst Lemekani Mwanza has been drafted into the technical bench in a similar role. Acting FAZ General Secretary Iva Lengwe says the new appointments are only for the assignment in Botswana.
Mutapa has assembled a squad featuring players from the local league and promising youngsters expected to form the core of the Olympic campaign. The Mukuru Four-Nations Tournament includes hosts Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
This is the full squad that is traveling to Botswana:
(GOALKEEPERS); Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows), Patrick Choma (Nkana), Luka Mainza (Nkana).
(DEFENDERS); Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Headson Paina (Green Eagles), Kamfuti Sausande (Trident), Jackson Phiri (Konkola Blades),Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Ronald Chanda Chileshe (Muza FC), Joseph Mulenga (Nchanga Rangers),William Kamwanga (Mufulira Wanderers).
(MIDFIELDERS); Luka Mutoshi, Abraham Siankombo (both Zesco United), Humphrey Bwembya, Francis Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Patson Kwataime (Mufulira Wanderers), Dominic Kanda, Ian Sindaye (both Zanaco), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers).
(FORWARDS); Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles), Abel Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka), Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco), Bridger Ng’andu, Rickson Ng’ambi (both FC Muza), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes).