Youth star, Kalimina, named by Coach Lwandamina in provisional Chipolopolo squad for Botswana tournament

Chipolopolo interim coach, George Lwandamina, has announced a 38-member provisional squad for the Four Nations Tournament set for Francistown, Botswana, from March 23–31.

The squad includes 15 foreign-based players, with Scotland-based forward Chanka Zimba and fit-again Kingstone Mutandwa receiving call-ups.

Zimba, who recently completed his naturalisation process, is expected to make his debut, joining fellow naturalised players Frankie Musonda and Jack Lahne.

Lwandamina has also drafted in standout performers from the Under-17 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2025 squad, including captain Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo and goalkeeper Christo Chitambala — signalling his intent to inject youth into the senior national team.

The coach has retained several experienced players from the recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign, such as Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Lubambo Musonda, Willard Mwanza, Dominic Chanda, Wilson Chisala, David Hamansenya and Mathews Banda.

There is strong representation from the domestic league, including golden-boot contender Albert Kangwanda, who has scored 10 goals so far this season.

The provisional squad will be trimmed to 26 players ahead of departure for Francistown, where Zambia will face Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi in a tournament dubbed the “Kings of the South Showdown.”

Zambia is using the tournament as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scheduled to take place in rapid succession between September and November.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS
Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Patrick Chooma (Nkana)

DEFENDERS
Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Dominic Chanda, Khondwani Chiboni (Power Dynamos), Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Tinklar Sinkala, Frederick Mwimanzi (Zanaco), Brian Chilimina (Red Arrows), Mathews Banda (Bohemians – Czech Republic), Joseph Mulenga (Nchanga Rangers), David Hamansenya (SK Artis Brno – Czech Republic), Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)

MIDFIELDERS
Given Kalusa, Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Humphrey Bwembya, Francis Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian – Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari – Italy), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Frederick Mulambia, Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), David Simukonda (Cleopatra – Egypt), Lameck Banda (Lecce – Italy), Obino Chisala (El Merreikh – Sudan), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg – Germany)

FORWARDS
Patson Daka (Leicester – England), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha – Saudi Arabia), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Pascal Phiri (Pyramids – Egypt), Chanka Zimba (Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Scotland), Elia Mandanji (Zanaco), Kingstone Mutandwa (SV Ried – Austria), Abel Nyirongo (Atlético), Jack Lahne (Lustenau – Austria).

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.