Wedson Nyirenda Names Newcomers in 35-Member COSAFA Cup Provisional Squad

22.05.2025 | Football DNA

Chipolopolo local coach Wedson Nyirenda has unveiled a 35-member provisional squad featuring a blend of new faces and established regulars ahead of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup tournament. The competition, slated for June 4–15 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, will serve as vital preparation for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Among the notable call-ups is Makeni All Stars striker Kenani Phiri, who earned his place after an impressive showing in the 2025 ABSA Cup, scoring twice and helping his lower-tier side reach the Round of 16. Barts FC have also been rewarded for their strong performances with defender Jackson Phiri and winger Martin Mweemba both getting the nod.

Kansanshi Dynamos captain Rodgers Lukonde and Atletico Lusaka winger Timothy Sichalwe are other fresh inclusions. The squad also sees the return of seasoned players including Abraham Siankombo, Fred Mulambia, Golden Mashata, Andrew Phiri, Kelvin Kapumbu, Killian Kanguluma, Dominic Chanda, and Lawrence Mulenga.

Promising Zambia U20 talents Happy Nsiku and Mathews Banda have been drafted into the senior fold, joined by 2017 U20 AFCON champion Mangani Banda.

However, there are some surprising omissions. Goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, who recently displaced Lawrence Mulenga at Power Dynamos, misses out, alongside ZESCO United pair Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda, former Orlando Pirates winger Austin Muwowo, Brian Masanyinga, Prince Mumba, and Innocent Kashita.

Zambia, who have won the COSAFA Cup a record seven times—one more than rivals Zimbabwe—will be aiming to bounce back from last year’s group stage exit where they lost all three matches. Drawn in Group D, the Chipolopolo will face Comoros and Botswana in the group stage.

This year’s tournament will also see 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco participate as invited guests. The North African giants are placed in Group C alongside Madagascar and Eswatini.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers)

Defenders:

Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Jackson Phiri (Barts FC), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Mathews Banda, Kendrick Mumba (Both Nkana), Fred Mwaiche (ZESCO United), Frederick Mwimanzi (ZANACO), Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos)

Midfielders:

Kelvin Kapumbu (ZANACO), Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers), Luka Mutoshi, Kenneth Kasanga (Both Nkwazi), Harrison Chisala, Charles Zulu (Both Nkana), Owen Tembo, Fred Mulambia (Both Power Dynamos), Anthony Chiyuka, Abraham Siankombo (Both ZESCO United), Martin Mweemba (Barts FC), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), Timothy Sichalwe (Atletico Lusaka), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers)

Strikers:

Kelvin Mwanza, Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA), Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos), Evans Kayombo (NAPSA Stars), Kenani Phiri (Makeni All Stars), Simon Mulenga (Green Eagles), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows)

Nyirenda’s squad selection reflects a strategic balance between youth and experience as Zambia looks to reclaim regional dominance and build momentum ahead of CHAN 2025.