Sichone says Zambia players must earn 2024 CHAN spots

Zambia national team assistant coach Moses Sichone has said every player in the squad will have to earn his place for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa.

Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola in a competition jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The final is scheduled for August 30 at Kasarani Stadium.

“We have seen a lot of improvement. It’s not easy since we are aware that the guys are just coming back from their preparations [preseason], but we are positive, looking at everyday improvement,” Sichone told Bola News.

“The competition is there. Ever since we started training, we had to tell the guys that it’s not an obvious thing—everyone has to fight for the position, and everyone is geared, fighting for his position.”

He added: “We are taking this CHAN very seriously, and one of the guys that maybe might do well during this tournament also stands the chance to be part of the AFCON. Of course, Zambia has never won this tournament, so, we are doing everything to make sure that maybe we might be able to bring the trophy back home.”

On whether Zambia stands a chance to win CHAN, Sichone said: “The first important thing is the guys to know why are we here and why are we going there for. We are here to prepare adequately, mentally and also physically. We are going there not only to go and participate, but to compete.”

Chipolopolo will kick off their CHAN campaign on 7 August against Congo DR, followed by a meeting with Angola on 10 August. The third match is against Morocco on 14 August, before concluding the group stage with a potentially decisive tie against the hosts Kenya on 17 August.