Two more big names have been added to the list of partners for the 2017 Mopani Copper Mines COSAFA Under-20 Championship after communications giants MTN and CE Liquid Telecom were brought on board.

MTN, who is the Official Mobile Network Operator to the tournament, will support the competition with a financial contribution that will support some critical operations.

Liquid Telecom, known as ‘Official Technology Partners’, will through their fibre optic installations at all three match venues, ensure that all stakeholders are connected to the watching world.  These installations also provide a legacy to football lovers on the Copperbelt as they will be permanent.

Meanwhile, the Zambian Under-20 side have continued their excellent preparations for the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Super Division side Red Arrows.

Zambia are both the defending champions in the COSAFA Under-20 Championships and the reigning African champions, and will be favourites to retain their title in the competition that runs from Dec 6-16.

The side have already enjoyed an emphatic 6-0 victory over Chilanga Youth Select XI as Coach Mumamba Numba readies them for the competition.

Zambia have been drawn in Group A at this year’s championship along with Swaziland, East African guest nation Uganda and Malawi.

They open their campaign against the Ugandans at the Arthur Davies Stadium on December 6, before a clash with Malawi at the same venue two days later.

They will close their pool play with a fixture against Swaziland at the Nkana Stadium on December 11, with just the top team in each group advancing to the semifinals, along with the best-placed runner-up.