Zambia’s Head Coach Nyirenda Unveils Provisional Squad for 2024 TotalEnergies CAF CHAN

Zambia’s head coach Wedson Nyirenda has announced a 30-member provisional squad in preparation for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place from February 1-28, 2025. The squad, which includes a blend of experienced and emerging talents, will begin intensive residential training this weekend as the team gears up for the prestigious tournament set to be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Preparations in High Gear

Zambia secured its CHAN qualification after Mozambique withdrew from the final qualifying round, a situation that gave Nyirenda’s team an automatic berth in the competition. Prior to this development, the team had been conducting weekly training camps aimed at sharpening the skills of local players.

The tournament will feature 18 teams, with Zambia awaiting the official draw to determine their group-stage opponents and base camp location. Nyirenda’s side is expected to heighten preparations in the coming weeks to ensure they are ready for the continental challenge.

Squad Breakdown

The provisional squad boasts a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, providing depth across all positions:

Goalkeepers:

• Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
• Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors)
• Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
• David Mumba (Konkola Blades)

Defenders:

• Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)
• Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)
• Mathews Banda, Kedrick Mumba (Nkana)
• Fred Mwiche (Zesco United)
• David Hamansenya (Shamuel)
• Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
• Frederick Mwimanzi (Green Buffaloes)
• Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos)

Midfielders:

• Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco)
• Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers)
• Paul Katema (Red Arrows)
• Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)
• Abraham Siankombo, David Simukonda (Zesco United)
• Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi)
• Charles Zulu (Nkana)
• Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA)
• Timothy Sichalwe (Athletico)
• Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes)

Strikers:

• Titus Chansa (Mutondo Stars)
• Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA)
• Ricky Banda (Red Arrows)
• Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars)
• Hope Katwishi (Forest Rangers)

Aiming for Glory

With the tournament drawing near, the inclusion of key players from top Zambian clubs such as Power Dynamos, Nkana, and Zesco United highlights the country’s intent to assemble a formidable squad. Nyirenda’s charges will aim to emulate or surpass Zambia’s previous CHAN performances and cement their status as strong contenders on the continental stage.

The CHAN competition, exclusively featuring players active in their domestic leagues, provides a platform for showcasing local talent. Zambia’s provisional squad reflects this principle, blending youthful exuberance with seasoned expertise to create a balanced team ready for the challenge.

As preparations intensify, fans and stakeholders alike will be keenly following the team’s progress, hopeful of a strong showing in East Africa next month.