A Sports Analyst has applauded Coach Osward Mutapa for selecting a youthful 26-man squad for the ongoing Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana, at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium.
This comes after the Chipolopolo’s draw against Malawi in the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka Star, Sports Analyst Patson Kawewe said Zambia is using the tournament to kick off preparations for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics.
“Zambia will use this tournament mainly to assess and assemble a powerful squad, and it will be about the winnings,” Kawewe said.
He said the tournament will be a breakout opportunity for young Zambian players to shine, like Christo Chitambala at goalkeeper, Jonathan Kalimina as captain, and Abel Nyirongo, all of whom featured in the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2025.
Meanwhile, Sports Analyst, Tony Nkhoma, said Mutapa is a visionary coach who is ahead of building a team that will not only compete in the Four Nations Tournament but a team that is ready for the games that are forthcoming.
“This is one of the best selections I have ever seen,” Nkhoma said.
He added that the development will help bridge a gap as the two squads in Botswana and Buenos Aires get merged into one national team, hence real competition.
Nkhoma appealed for soccer fans to have faith in the coach and the players as they have been selected on merit.
And Another sports analyst, Enock Phiri, said this is a good move for the sport, even though not all of the players are well experienced to play at the national level.
“It is a good site, as I believe it is going to give competition to the other nations participating in this tournament,” Phiri said.
Phiri added that he wants FAZ to clarify why some players have been left out of the squad going to face Argentina in a friendly match as well as this tournament, as this paints a bad picture.
“We have got Emmanuel Banda who has been left out,” said Phiri, talking about the majority of players who have been left out that could have at least been sent to this Four Nations Tournament.
He urged FAZ to combine the two squads they have created into one formidable team for the upcoming qualifiers games.