Chisi handed Chipolopolo's COSAFA Cup assignment

PIC CREDIT: POWER DYNAMOS FC

Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe will lead the Chipolopolo bench at the 2024 COSAFA Cup that will be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from June 26 to July 7.

Chisi, who has just led Arrows to the 2023/24 league title, has been elevated from the Zambia U20 to the senior bench for this tournament.

His job is to lead the defending champions quest for an unprecedented third successive COSAFA Cup title and record extending eighth regional crown.

Chisi’s provisional 27 member team goes into camp in Lusaka this weekend and has some notable new faces hoping to make the final cut.

2023 COSAFA Cup golden boot winner Albert Kangwanda who is currently on loan at Arrows from Sudanese club Al Hilal is the only foreign -based player in the team.

They are a couple of notable debuts in store namely midfielders Owen Tembo of Power Dynamos and Zesco United's young sensation David Simukonda.

Power goalkeeper Willard Mwanza is also in line for a Zambia debut while the clubs first choice and Chipolopolo number one Lawrence Mulenga stays home.

Defender Zacharia Chilongoshi returns to the fold after a two year hiatus.

But one of the major recalls is that of striker Austin Muwowo who enjoyed his best season back since returning home after a forgettable four years at Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

Chipolopolo are in Group B at the COSAFA Cup where they will play Zimbabwe, Kenya and Comoros.

Zambia will kickoff it's defence on June 27 against guest side Kenya.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

DEFENDERS

Mathews Chabala (ZESCO United), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Chitoshi Chinga, Mathews Banda (both Nkana FC), John Chishimba (ZESCO United), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Sekanji Siame (Konkola Blades), Zachariah Chilongoshi (NAPSA Stars), Brian Chilimina (Red Arrows)

MIDFIELDERS

Dickson Chapa (NAPSA Stars), Frederick Mulambia, Austin Muwowo (both Power Dynamos), Abraham Siankombo, Kelvin Kapumbu, David Simukonda (All ZESCO United), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Saddam Yusuf Phiri (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA), Charles Majapa Mumba (Green Buffaloes)

STRIKERS

Albert Kangwanda (Al Hilal-Sudan, Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA), Jimmy Mukeya (Kansanshi Dynamos), Ricky Banda (Red Arrows), Enock Sakala Jr (ZESCO United)