The Zambia Under-20 Men’s National Team coach Boyd Mulwanda has summoned 36 local players for duty ahead of the Egypt 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on April 26. Mulwanda has also lined up 13 foreign-based players that will join camp in the final stages of preparations for the tournament. Zambia is in Group C alongside Senegal, Kenya and Sierra Leone with the tournament kicking off on April 26. The Zambian team will enter camp this weekend with the coaches trimming the squad as the tournament draws closer. Coach Mulwanda will be keeping his fingers crossed on the availability of foreign-based players as the tournament falls outside the FIFA window. Currently the under-17 boys are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in a year Zambia has qualified for all the CAF competitions. FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD (GOAL KEEPERS) Levison Banda (Zesco United), Mapalo Chitundu (Kansanshi Dynamos), Eric Makungu (Chirundu United), Shadreck Kalyati (Kafue Celtic) (DEFENDERS) Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Mwenya Mwape (Zanaco), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Samson Ngulube, Charles Buyoya (both Kafue Celtic), Sekanji Siame (Power Dynamos), Emmanuel Lungu (Green Eagles), Musadabwe Mwanza, Danny Bwalya (both Nchanga Rangers), Whitson Banda (Napsa Stars) (MIDFIELDERS) David Simukonda (Zesco United), Perkins Mumba (Green Buffaloes), Humphrey Kabwembya (Forest Rangers), Moses Simpasa, Thomas Chisi (both Atletico Lusaka), Obvious Mwaliteta, Lawrence Banda (both Aguila Stars), Jackson Ngoma, Thomas Chisempele (both Napsa Stars), Tryson Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Emmanuel Mutale (Nkana), Ndonji Nkandu (Nchanga Rangers) (STRIKERS) Benson Kapeshi, Raymond Mwiinga (both Atletico Lusaka), Felix Banda Philimon Chilimina (both Green Buffaloes), Anthony Shipanuka, Patrick Simwinga (both Red Arrows), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Osward Katungu (Kings Academy), Eliya Mundanji (Kafue Celtic), Samuel Muyembe (Cayots FC) (FOREIGN BASED) Ricky Chanda (Riteriai-Estonia) Gift Siame (Leganes-Spain) Trywell Giwa (Luton FC-England) David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain) Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland) Kelvin Phiri (Elite Falcons-UAE) Aaron Mbemba (Cadiz-Spain) Andrew Mulenga (Porto Victoria-Brazil) Jaedyn Chibanga (Hull City-England) Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy) Bonephanseo Phiri (Lokomotiv Tbilisi-Georgia) Frank Chileshe (Lokomotiv Tbilisi-Georgia) Chuulu Johnson (Aylestone Park FC-Australia) (FAZ Media)
MTN Super League Matchweek 16: Title Pressure, Survival Fights and Fresh Beginnings…Arrows welcome Wanderers, NAPSA target third straight win as Bottom two face off in Kabwe
The MTN Super League returns this afternoon with Matchweek 16 delivering a compelling mix of title ambition, relegation anxiety and personal storylines across the country. With continental commitments keeping ZESCO United and Power Dynamos out of domestic action, the door has been left ajar at both ends of the table. For some, it is a chance to close gaps and apply pressure; for others, it is an opportunity to breathe life into seasons that have threatened to drift away. Red Arrows will be looking to reduce Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just a point while Kansanshi Dynamos will be hoping to continue from where they left off last weekend when they welcome stubborn Nkwazi. Struggling Nkana are away to FC MUZA who gave away a two goal lead last weekend to settle for a draw. NAPSA Stars welcome Konkola Blades at Reiz Arena as the Sipho Mumbi coached side eye a third straight win. In Kabwe the bottom two teams, Mines United and Mutondo Stars face off in an epic clash at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium. At Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows know exactly what is at stake when they welcome Mufulira Wanderers. The Airmen, second on the log with 31 points, can slash Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just one point with victory. Yet history is not on their side. Arrows are winless in their last five meetings with Wanderers, losing three and drawing two, with their last victory over the nine-time champions dating back to 2019. Coming off successive defeats to ZESCO United and Green Eagles, the Airmen are desperate to rediscover momentum after seeing their 16-match unbeaten run snapped. Wanderers arrive wounded but dangerous, fresh from a narrow loss to Power Dynamos and beginning life without captain Collins Makungu, who has departed for ZANACO. Key men Patson Kwataime, Bartuel Tembo and Owen Mwamba will be tasked with spoiling Arrows’ title push, while the hosts lean on the quality of Albert Kangwanda, Joseph Phiri, Alassane Diarra and Angel Lubamba. In Lusaka, Green Buffaloes host FC Leopards at Edwin Imboela Stadium in a fixture heavy with consequence for the visitors. Sunday Sichimata begins his tenure as interim head coach of Leopards following the dismissal of Justin Chinama, inheriting a side with just one win from 15 matches and sitting 16th with 12 points. Matters are complicated further by the suspension of striker Emmanuel Chabula, sent off in the heavy defeat to Kansanshi Dynamos. Buffaloes, 11th with 18 points from 14 games, will see this as a chance to consolidate. With Bornwell Mwape leading the line, creativity supplied by Clement Mulenga and John Mulenga, and Monga Chilimba marshalling the defence, the hosts carry clear favourites’ status — but Leopards’ need is urgent, and desperation often sharpens resolve. At Independence Stadium, Kansanshi Dynamos and Nkwazi FC meet locked together on 14 points, separated only by goal difference, in one of the weekend’s most evenly poised contests. The Mabanga Boys return home buoyed by victory over FC Leopards and are led on the touchline by Acting Head Coach Dennis Makinka, with Fathi Mohammed Fathi away on CAF Pro Licence duty. Makinka has warned against complacency, praising Nkwazi’s unity and resilience while expressing confidence in his side’s preparation. The fixture carries personal significance for Makinka against his former club, but focus remains firmly on points. Nkwazi arrive encouraged by a dramatic 2–2 comeback draw against FC MUZA and boosted by the return of skipper Derrick Mwansa. Coach Masauso Tembo has described his team as “dangerous” once settled, with Christopher Zulu, Bernard Kumwenda and Lameck Banda expected to lead the charge. History suggests little between the sides, with numerous draws and narrow margins over recent seasons — a trend that could well continue. At Godfrey Chitalu Stadium, survival takes centre stage as Mines United host Mutondo Stars in a bottom-of-the-table showdown. Mines prop up the log with eight points, while Mutondo sit just above them in 17th with 11. Both sides are win-starved — Mutondo winless in nine, Mines with just one victory in the same stretch — but the stakes could not be clearer. Victory here could redefine belief; defeat could deepen the sense of inevitability. In Mazabuka, FC MUZA welcome Nkana to Nakambala Stadium in a fixture brimming with confidence on both sides. MUZA coach Nowell Phiri insists his side is ready, having taken lessons from a 2–2 draw with Nkwazi, while vice-captain Biston Banda has labelled the match “must-win” as the Elegant Dynamites chase ABSA Cup qualification. Fifth on the log with 24 points, MUZA are unbeaten in five and will draw belief from a stunning 5–2 home victory over Nkana in their last meeting at Nakambala. Nkana, unbeaten in their own last five, boast the stronger historical record, winning four of the last eight encounters. The balance between MUZA’s ambition and Nkana’s pedigree sets the stage for a compelling duel. At REIZ Arena, NAPSA Stars aim for a third consecutive win when they host Konkola Blades in a tight mid-table contest. Victories over Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO have lifted NAPSA clear of immediate danger, but coach Sipho Mumbi has warned that consistency remains essential with relegation fears still close. With Augustine Mulenga, Kenneth Kasanga, Evans Kayombo and Simon Nkhata key to their ambitions, NAPSA will look to seize home advantage. Blades, 10th with 18 points — level with NAPSA — arrive with threats of their own in Benjamin Saeli, Stephen Mutama, Clive Bayeta and Victor Mubanga, promising a finely balanced encounter. The weekend’s action is rounded off in Chingola where Nchanga Rangers host ZANACO FC in a heavyweight clash between fourth and third on the log respectively. ZANACO will be without Wilson Chisala, currently in Israel, but could hand debuts to Sama Luzeka and Collins Makungu. Rangers, meanwhile, will lean on the prolific Christopher Itaka, with assistant coach Israel Mwanza underlining the importance of home support in what he expects to be a fierce and decisive contest.
Power Dynamos defender Samuel Bamidele says there will be no divided loyalty when his club Power Dynamos hosts Rivers United from his home country Nigeria tomorrow (Saturday). Speaking during the pre-match press conference for the CAF Champions League Group A match between Power Dynamos and Rivers United, Bamidele said the Zambian champions would aim to collect their first maximum points in the group stage. “Playing against my home country team is part of my job, they (Rivers United) also came to do their job and I have to do mine tomorrow. We know what is stake; we will do all we can to get a victory,” he says. Bamidele says although he knows about the Nigerian league and players what will be key will be Power Dynamos’ preparations for tomorrow’s game. “Yes I have played them, I know them but it our preparations that will make us win the game,” he says. “Every game is there for us to win, especially as champions from last season.” He has appealed to fans to turn up in numbers and support the Zambian Super League champions. “They should come and support us, and in return we will give them what they want,” he says. Power Dynamos and Rivers United of Nigeria will be hoping to resuscitate their flagging Champions League campaign tomorrow when they face each other at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. RS Berkane and reigning champions Pyramids are in joint top position with six points while Rivers United and Power Dynamos are winless sharing third and fourth position respectively. Power Dynamos has announced various selling points for tickets in Ndola and Kitwe among them Ravens Country Club, Power Dynamos secretariat, Arthur Davies Stadium, Tresmos Pleasure resort while in Ndola the selling point is Sijonamoro Investment along Broadway and Skyprint. Tickets are going at K20 (East, North and South), K30 (West Wing) and K200 (VIP). By FAZ Media
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has praised Malian football legend Frédéric Kanouté for his continued contribution to African football and expressed the association’s willingness to collaborate in player development. Mweemba said this when Kanouté paid a courtesy call on him at Football House in the company of Kafue Celtic proprietor Lee Kawanu. Welcoming Kanouté, Mweemba said FAZ does not take his involvement in Zambian football for granted adding that the former Sevilla and Mali star could easily have focused his efforts solely on Mali. “We are glad to have you at football House, We see what you are doing for Kafue Celtic and Zambia and we shall never take your actions for granted. You could have chosen to focus on on Mali, but your contribution to Africa and in particular Zambia is outstanding” said Mweemba. Mweemba reaffirmed the association’s willingness to partner with Kanouté’s firms, 12 Management and Nofama Consultancy, to accelerate football development in the country. “We want to work with you and we are ready to partner with your initiatives to grow the game and have Zambia compete successfully at the highest level.” And in responding to the welcome, Kanoute said he was pleased to be in Zambia, which he described as his second home. “I have been working with Lee for over ten years and I am glad that just like other Zambians, Lee is willing to learn. I am encouraged by how open many Zambians are to learning new ideas and for this I am willing to extend my initives beyond Kafue Celtics.” Said Kanouté. Meanwhile, Kawanu said he has never restricted Kanouté to working only with Kafue Celtic but would be willing to see other teams take advantage of the Malian football icon’s presence in Zambia. Kawanu admitted that the Kanouté’s efforts have delivered notable success at Kafue Celtic. “We need to have more teams with the highest of standards so that competition is enhanced.” Kawanu said. FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande told Kanouté that the association is in the process of rolling out a strategic plan that will outline a clear football development pathway for Zambian football. Shepande lamented the lack of structured development pathways from the lower ranks to high-performance centres. During the visit, Kanouté was also presented with a KoPa jersey bearing his name and his famous number 12. Later, Kanouté interacted with FAZ executive committee members during a tea break from their meeting at Football House.
