Banda says Zambia friendly against South Africa good opportunity for new players

Zambia national team winger Joseph Sabobo Banda says he has always looked forward to his national team call up and will give his best against South Africa if given an opportunity.

The Hapoel Be’er Sheva star said he is happy to see many young players in the Chipolopolo set up knocking on the door for places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking after he joined the squad ahead of Saturday’s FIFA International friendly match against Bafana Bafana, Banda said the two matches Zambia was set to play were a good warm up for the AFCON.

“I am happy to be part of the team for the South Africa and Angola friendlies. They are very important because it gives us a very good starting point and base because one can never really know what hurdles we might face in the next camp,” Banda told FAZ Media.

‘I am ready to give my best for Zambia’

The 2025 U-20 AFCON skipper urged the youngsters to be given an opportunity to be part of the Chipolopolo step up and make an impact.

“It is a good opportunity for the new guys to show what they can contribute for them to make an impact and get picked for the final AFCON team,” he added. “Like I said, they have been given an opportunity to showcase themselves and work hard to make the team.”

On his personal target, he said: “As for me I am ready to give my best to the team and we are asking the fans to believe in us because we believe we can deliver the results.”

The Chipolopolo will play World Cup bound South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Stadium before jetting off to Angola for the November 18 international friendly. Zambia is using the two friendly matches to prepare for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Chipolopolo are in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali and Comoros.

(FULL SQUAD)

(GOALKEEPERS); Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune-SA), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco).

(DEFENDERS); Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (both Zesco United), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain FC), Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganese-Spain), Benson Sakala (Bohemians-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Chanda Chileshe (FC Muza).

(MIDFIELDERS); Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Gift Siame (Leganese-Spain), Hunphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Pascal Phiri, David Simukonda (both Zesco United), Given Kalusa, Rickson Ng’ambi, Solomon Mpasela, Kelvin Mwanza (all FC Muza).

(FORWARDS); Patson Daka (Leicester City-England), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’ersheva-Israel), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat-Israel), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Jack Lahne (Lustenau-Austria), Elia Mandanji-Zanaco), Andrew Phiri (Singida Black Stars-Tanzania).

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