Zambia Under-23 coach Fighton Simukonda has named a provisional squad of 25 players for the African Under-23 Championship to be staged in Senegal from November 28.

Simukonda wants to make sure that the country’s preparations are long and smooth as they prepare to face their hosts, Tunisia and COSAFA rivals South Africa at the championship.

Should Young Chipolopolo finish in the top three at the tournament they will qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a huge carrot to be dangled for the side.

“The training camp has been called to start preparations for the Senegal Under-23 championship,” Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Communications Manager Nkweto Tembwe said.

“It is going to last until Thursday after which players will return to their clubs. We expect two or three of such week long training camps before the boys go into full residential camp.”
Zambia training squad

Goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Kenny Mumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Kabwe Warriors)

Defenders: Kapota Kayawe (Nkana), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors), Benard Mapili (Zesco United), Billy Mutale (Power Dynamos), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Mweene Mumbi (Green Buffaloes)

Midfielders: Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Paul Katema (Red Arrows) Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Shadreck Malambo (Red Arrows), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), John Chingandu (Zesco United), Julius Situmbeko (Power Dynamos), Larry Bwalya (Power Dynamos), Jacob Ngulube (Mufulira Wanderers), Godfrey Ngwenya (Kabwe Warriors)

Strikers: Moses Phiri (Zanaco), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes), Noble Ramsey (Power Dynamos), Patson Daka (Power Dynamos)