Iconic figure of Zambia’s historic triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012, Rainford Kalaba has swapped his boots for training shoes. Now 37, the former attacking midfielder of TP Mazembe is currently part of the Zambia U-17 national team’s technical staff, serving as a fitness coach. A discreet but valuable career shift, right at the heart of an ambitious youth development project led by the Zambian Football Association. Competing in the CAF TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia has qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will face Burkina Faso on Thursday at the Laarbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Even better: the young Chipolopolo have already secured their spot at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar this November In this interview, Rainford Kalaba reflects on the impact of the 2012 continental title, his new mission with young talents, and the keys to succeeding at this level. CAFOnline.com: Rainford, you were one of the key players in Zambia’s golden generation of 2012, the team that brought home the country’s first continental title. What impact did that victory have on your career? Rainford Kalaba: It was an incredible honour to be part of that journey. That title opened so many doors for us — for me and for many others. After 2012, several Zambian players saw their careers take off. Just taking part in an AFCON is a big deal but becoming champions against some of Africa’s top stars — that’s unforgettable. It’s not something everyone gets to experience. Today, you’ve gone from player to fitness coach with the U-17 team. How are you finding this transition? The most important thing was helping this group qualify for the World Cup. That’s a huge milestone for this generation. Now that they’ve done it, our focus is on the rest of the AFCON. Reaching the final would be fantastic. We have to keep working hard and stay focused. Hard work always pays off. In your view, what are the main differences between your generation and the one you’re working with today? Today’s young players want to make a name for themselves, to be known across the continent — and that’s a good thing. Playing for an African national team at U-17 level is about laying the foundation for a career. This generation wants to shine, go far, make a lasting impression. They’ve reached the quarter-finals and they don’t want to stop there. That’s exactly the mindset they need. What have you learned from working with them? They’re focused, ambitious, determined to be recognised across Africa and even globally. They want to play for big clubs, in major leagues. And that’s great. When you get the chance to represent your country at U-17 level, that’s when your career path really begins. Was there a moment during the tournament that really impressed you? The match against Morocco, the host nation. Those kinds of games are always very tough — you’re not just playing against eleven players, but against an entire crowd, a loud and passionate public. That day, our boys showed admirable focus. They followed the instructions and stayed disciplined. That’s the foundation. On the pitch, they have to manage themselves, and they did it perfectly. What message would you like to send to young Zambian players who dream of representing their country, like you did? The most important thing is to stay focused and understand that when you wear this jersey, you never wear it just for yourself. You represent your family, your supporters, your country. You play for an entire nation. You have to honour them, impress them, repay their faith. And there’s no secret to it: hard work, discipline, and perseverance. The sky is the limit. As a former champion and mentor, what would you say is the key to success in a tournament like the U-17 AFCON? Respecting the instructions. Since the start of the tournament, the boys have been listening, following the game plans. That’s what makes them strong. If they had strayed from that path, they’d already be out. Now they’re in the quarter-finals, and they’re hungry for more. I tell them to hold on to that belief, that discipline, that desire to go beyond their limits. The rest will follow naturally. Zambia is now qualified for the U-17 World Cup. What are your goals for that tournament? AFCON is already a high level, but the World Cup is another step up. If our players manage to make their mark there, to shine on the world stage, many opportunities will open up for them. Agents, academies, professional clubs will take notice. It’s a unique chance to change their lives — and I truly believe they can do it. By CAF Media
Copper Queens boss Nora Elizabeth Häuptle says she is expecting tough and tight games at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026. The Swedish gaffer was speaking shortly after the Copper Queens were drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Egypt and neighbors Malawi for continental showpiece. Häuptle is however relishing the challenge because she feels if the team qualifies to the knockout stage from this group then they will be very strong. “I know Nigeria well, so I’m excited. You know, for me, it’s cool that we can start in the tournament and we need to just raise the bar suddenly on 100%. You know, it’s no warm up time. A good group, but also Malawi, never underestimate Malawi. You know, they also have top players in the NWSL and in France,” Häuptle said. “So I expect very tough and tight games and I think when you surpass and when you survive this group you know then you will get very strong in the knockout stage of course,” she added. Häuptle believes proper preparations will be key for the Copper Queens to be able to face off with teams like Nigeria who have won the WAFCON a record 10 times. “Yeah, I think we’re going to prepare as well, putting some good friendly games on the pitch to have a good strategy. For me, Nigeria, I mean, there are so many times champions of this tournament. I see our position, you know, always to try to hunt. Of course, to chase. We’re going to prepare well,” she said. The gaffer is happy to have first choice goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali back in the fold after being out with an injury for almost two years. “Our top players are getting ready for it and I’m sure we’re going to find the right strategy and hopefully also have the right daily mood and daily level, which is needed,” she said. “Hazel Nali is back, so I worked a lot in the last months to bring all those players back in. Some also overcame some injuries, but I think we now have the whole squad together, and it’s a key element also that we raise the bar on the goalkeeper position, of course.” The 2026 WAFCON will be Zambia’s fifth appearance at the tournament [2014, 2018, 2022, 2024 & 2026]. This edition of the tournament will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The tournament will be played from 17 March-3 April 2026.
MTN Super League side ZESCO United have reinforced their squad with two new acquisitions namely Emmanuel Manda and Derrick Obame. Derrick Maureen Assoumou Obame is a Gabonese attacking midfielder who joins Team Ya Ziko from Football Canon 105. The club took to social media to confirm the development. Emmanuel Manda joins Zega Mambo from FC MUZA and has penned a two year deal with the Ndola based outfit. “ZESCO United Football Club is proud to officially unveil two exciting new additions to the Ndola Giants – Gabonese attacking midfielder Derrick Maureen Assoumou Obame and Zambian forward Emmanuel Manda from FC MUZA. At only 19 years old, Obame arrives from Football Canon 105 (Gabon) as a highly rated left-footed playmaker, identified by the club as a strategic addition to strengthen creativity, tempo control and attacking unpredictability ahead of both domestic and continental campaigns. His technical quality, vision, composure in tight spaces and attacking intelligence are expected to elevate ZESCO’S offensive play and provide quality service to the forwards. Obame has already linked up with the squad in Ndola and will integrate immediately with the technical team,” reads part of a statement from ZESCO United. “Meanwhile, Emmanuel Manda joins the live wires from FC MUZA, bringing aggression, pace and attacking hunger to the frontline. The dynamic forward has officially arrived in Ndola and put pen to paper on a two-year contract following agreement between the two clubs. Known for his ability to unsettle defenders and his all-round attacking play, Manda now embarks on an exciting new chapter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as ZESCO continues to build a squad capable of challenging for silverware both locally and continentally.”
Zambia Under-20 Women National Team coach Florence Mwila has named a 34-member provisional squad for the back-to-back third round FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uganda. Mwila has roped in some of the starlets from the under-17 FIFA World Cup squad to inject some dynamism in the set up. The team will enter camp on Monday as part of preparation for the Uganda clash, which is the penultimate stage for the Poland 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zambia will be away to Uganda on February 7 before hosting the East Africans at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium a week later with a place in the final round at stake. The junior Copper Queens are chasing their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup where their seniors and the under-17 have already been. Zambia is hoping to be among four African representatives at the 24-team tournament, which will take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026. FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD (GOALKEEPERS) Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Harriet Tembo (Zanaco Ladies), Loveness Chingwele (Muza Queens) (DEFENDERS) Esther Musialela (Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Fridah Mbao (Pataaki Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Jessy Zulu (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles), Kampamba Mulenga (Nchanga Queens), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro), Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation) (MIDFIELDERS) Bupe Banda, Masela Sekeseke, Beatrice Njobvu (all Red Arrows), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Pumulo Lubasi, Blessings Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Gift Chilwishi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Tricia Mabamba, Mapalo Maluba (both Nchanga Queens) (STRIKERS) Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Beauty Phiri (Muza Queens FC), Mary Mukupa (Red Arrows), Sarah Nkandu (Radar Queens), Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses), Victoria Mbali (Young Green Buffaloes), Agness Musele (Trident), Theresa Nayame (Kansanshi Queens), Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens) By FAZ Media
