FAZ Appoints Dennis Makinka as Under-17 Coach Ahead of FIFA World Cup

07.10.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced key changes to the technical bench of the Under-17 Boys National Team ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed the appointment of Dennis Makinka as head coach, taking over the reins of the junior Chipolopolo. Makinka, a former Chipolopolo midfielder himself, is no stranger to the setup, having previously served as assistant coach for the same team.

Joining him on the bench is another former national team midfielder, William Njovu, who comes in as assistant coach, while Charles Musonda has been retained as the team’s technical adviser.

Shepande expressed confidence in the new technical structure, stating that the appointments are part of FAZ’s broader effort to strengthen youth development and ensure Zambia performs strongly on the global stage.

“Makinka has vast experience and a deep understanding of youth football, which will be key as we head into the global competition,” said Shepande.

World Cup Preparations in Full Swing

A 44-member provisional squad has been named and is expected to go into camp in Lusaka today. The team, comprising both local and foreign-based players, will be in camp until October 20, after which they will shift base to Dubai for a pre-tournament training camp.

During their stay in Dubai, the team will play three high-profile friendly matches before proceeding to Qatar on October 31, just in time for the start of the tournament. FAZ is expected to announce the friendly fixtures later this week.

Zambia has been drawn in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia. The junior Chipolopolo will open their campaign against Indonesia on November 4, face Honduras on November 7, and conclude their group stage fixtures against Brazil on November 10. All three matches will be played in Doha.

Provisional Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Rogers Simumba (Shamuel), William Zulu (Athletico Lusaka), Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows), Wiseman Nkumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sports Club)

Defenders:

Levyson Banda (Superiad Ndola), Sianchongwe (Kalomo), Nelson Chilemu, Jonathan Moomba Kalimina (Kafue Celtics), Felix Phiri (Athletico Lusaka), Chola Mwansa (Young Crocs), Bright Phiri, Handson Chulu (Kuku Dynamos), James Nene Sibeene, Martin Tumbwe (Sporting Lusaka), Chimuka, Fredrick Ngululu (Russia), Mwape Andrew (Metro Stars Soccer Academy), Pablo Ndalama (Young Zesco)

Midfielders:

Russell Kalumbeta, Temwani Simfukwe, Robert Banda (Athletico Lusaka), Nthasilwe Malupande, Caleb Bupe Chabala, Nelson Chilemu (Kafue Celtics), Christopher Mwakajila (Mungwi Hotspurs), Joseph Chizawu, Daniel Silubonde, Steven Lungu (Morkved Sportsklubb), Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA), Bongani Ndhlovu (Metro Stars Soccer Academy), Vincent Mutondo, Nkotami Chimwemwe (Lumwana Radiants), Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Mike Bwalya Mutale (Makeni All Stars), Albert Kunda (Demofracy Ndola), Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth)

Strikers:

Kachinga Dickson Siame (Aston Villa), Uchinvyo Mulindwa Kaziya (New Brunswick High Performance Academy), Lucas Theodore Daka (Reading FC), Caleb Musonda, Nthasilwe Malupande (Kafue Celtics), Alinani Nicolas Sichinga (HIK Copenhagen – Denmark), Abel Salim Nyirongo, William Zulu, Russell Kalumbeta (Athletico Lusaka), Billy Daka (Nkwazi FC)