FAZ Unveils U17 Technical Bench Ahead of COSAFA AFCON Qualifier Tournament

27.08.2025 | Football DNA

Charles Musonda

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced a reshuffle of the Under-17 Men’s National Team technical bench, with Zambian football legend Charles Musonda appointed as Technical Advisor, while Ian Bakala retains his position as Head Coach.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that the changes were made in consultation with the Technical Directorate and approved by the FAZ Executive Committee.

Shepande revealed that Zesco United assistant coach Emmanuel Siwale will stand in for Bakala during the COSAFA U17 Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, next month.

New-Look U17 Technical Bench:

Technical Advisor: Charles Musonda

Head Coach: Ian Bakala

Stand-In Coach (COSAFA): Emmanuel Siwale

First Assistant Coach: Lameck Banda

Second Assistant Coach: Francis Kombe

Goalkeeper Coach: Martin Mwamba

Physical Trainer: Clive Hachilensa

Team Doctor: Emmanuel Kanswe

Physiotherapist: Isaac Sichali

Team Manager: Gabriel Kalembo

Equipment Manager: Moses Banda

In a statement, Shepande explained the rationale behind the appointments:

“Following a thorough evaluation process, including consultations with the Technical Directorate, performance appraisals of previous assignments, and alignment with the long-term national youth development strategy, FAZ wishes to announce the new technical bench for the Under-17 Men’s National Team.”

He added:

“We have appointed Mr. Charles Musonda as Technical Advisor. Mr. Musonda is a senior coach with high-level technical qualifications (UEFA A or equivalent) and has been tasked with providing strategic oversight, mentoring the technical team, and aligning the U-17 playing philosophy with the broader national football vision.”

Shepande also highlighted the role of Siwale, describing him as a CAF B Licensed coach with proven youth football experience, particularly in talent identification and development.

FAZ expressed gratitude to the outgoing technical bench for their contributions to youth football development.

The TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 | COSAFA Qualifiers will be staged in Harare, Zimbabwe, from September 11-20, featuring 12 teams battling for a place at the continental finals next year.

Zambia has been drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Malawi, and Madagascar.