U-17 boss George Chilufya happy with the competition in his squad
Zambia U-17 coach George Chilufya has summoned a 41-member provisional squad ahead of the 2021 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations to be staged in Morocco next month.
Chilufya told the ZamFoot Crew that the selection was dominated by the players from the last two COSAFA U-17 tournaments.
“This selection Is coming from the Previous tournament the Cosafa we had in South Africa,” he said
“We had about a team of 20 players, but for competitions seek and preparation we thought we needed a bigger number and also looking at the COVID-19 situation you never know what tomorrow may bring so that is the more reason we have called 41 players.”
“We have academies all over the country and sometimes logistics and other programs are a challenge you know Zambia is big like to go round me personally it’s not easy but with the recommendation from coaches on the ground in the provinces we can get these boys into camp so what they have been doing with there clubs is what has brought them here,” he added.
Midfielder Brian Mate is the only player from the U-17 established set up due to injury.
“We have a medical team with us and sometimes recommendations come from them more especially when it comes to health matters. Most of the players are in good shape, I think the one who is been left behind (Brian Mate) sustained an injury while we were in South Africa, I think he is still carrying that injury, from the reports that we got from our medical people is that he is still on the treatment table otherwise we have returned everyone but they have to compete with the new ones that are here,” he said.
“We just want to see how these boys are doing, I have been talking to their coaches from their clubs but we need to see the condition in which they are and then we can start talking about friendlies I think we have lined up several friendlies but that one is more administrative I can not go into details but the program Is there,” he added.
Chilufya revealed that there is competition in the team. The Power Dynamos assistant coach also went on to ask the fans to continue supporting the team.
“This is the second session we had a gym session yesterday in the morning we rested in the afternoon and today we have a double, the response has been excellent everyone looked set and there are competing very impressive,” he said.
“These are players that are developing they need everyone’s support so the same way they have been supportive to them before the previous tournament I think we tried our best to put a smile on their faces its sad we could not defend the Cosafa cup but we managed to qualify to AFCON and we hope they continue with the same spirit of supporting the boys.”
The tournament will run from 13-31 March 2021 in Morocco.
THE FULL SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS
Carlos Mpenge (Genesis Academy), Eric Musonda Makungu (Atletico), Charles Njobvu, (Celtic), Joseph Mulenga (Modern Academy), Melody Sintumfya (Vicrich Academy)
DEFENDERS
Mphatso Banda (Kanyama Lions), Thomas Banda (Young Zanaco), Miguel Changa Chaiwa, Luckson Tembo (All Shamuel FC), Aaron Mbemba Phiri, Ricky Chanda, Noah Mumala (All Atletico), Mutale Lombe (Young Power), Sekanji Siame (Celtic), Teddy Khumalo (Janza Academy), Samson Ngulube, Mathews Banda (All Bauleni Academy), AnthonyMukuka (Young Arrows), Tapiwa Banda (Kabwata Dynamos), Parkie Nkhoma (Buildcon)
MIDFIELDERS
Joseph Sabobo Banda, Julius Kumwenda, Frank Chileshe, Charles Majapa Mumba (All Atletico), Chrispin Simunyola (Jumbe Sports Academy), Dominic Kanda, Onesimus Chipango (All Shamuel FC), Benjamin Chisala (RM Academy), Stephen Banda (Bauleni Academy), Ben Sebele (Young Arrows), Happy Chilongo (Tundo Academy), Emmanuel Mutale (Mushili Hotspur), Richard Kashiya (Rock Of Ages)
STRIKERS
Christopher Mwango Musonda (Vicrich Academy), Richard Ngoma, Thomas Chola Mwambazi (All Atletico), Emmanuel Zulu (Airport Warriors), Edward Gondwe (Young Arrows), Lawrence Lubinda Jr(David Kaunda), Rickson N’gambi (Muza FC), Lameck Manda (Shamuel FC)