No player guaranteed team spot as Chipolopolo intensify CHAN preparations —Coach Sichone

Zambia National Team assistant coach, Moses Sichone, says no player is guaranteed a spot in the final Chipolopolo squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), as competition intensifies during training.

The CHAN tournament, set to kick off this weekend, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Zambia has been drawn into a tough Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola.

The final is scheduled for August 30.

Speaking during a training session, Sichone expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting that most players were coming off preseason.

“We have seen a lot of improvement. It’s not easy, as most of the players are just returning from preseason, but we are encouraged by their daily progress,” he said.

He emphasized that players must earn their place in the squad through commitment and performance.

“From day one, we made it clear to the players—nothing is guaranteed. Everyone has to fight for a spot, and it’s encouraging to see the hunger and determination,” Sichone added.

He also highlighted that CHAN presented a major opportunity for local-based players to impress and potentially secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad later this year.

“We’re taking CHAN very seriously. This is a big opportunity, and those who perform well could find themselves in the AFCON squad. Zambia has never won CHAN, and we’re doing everything possible to change that.”

Despite Zambia’s past struggles in the tournament, Sichone said the technical bench remained optimistic.

“The key is for the players to understand why they’re here. We’re preparing both mentally and physically—not just to participate but to compete and win,” he said.

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