Kangwanda says Zambia will use South Africa friendly for AFCON build up

Zambia national team midfielder Albert ‘Deddo’ Kangwanda has attributed his national team call up to his fine club form ahead of their friendly against South Africa.

Kangwanda, who plays for Red Arrows in the Zambian Super League, made the squad for the fixture to mark the November FIFA international break. The Chipolopolo left for Port Elizabeth ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Bafana Bafana.

Newly appointed coach Moses Sichone summoned 33 players, with four foreign-based players leaving with the local contingent aboard South African Airways. Sichone is leading an all local technical bench comprising Perry Mutapa, Andrew Sinkala, Noel Mwandila, Kennedy Mweene and Joseph Musonda.

The foreign contingent comprised Fashion Sakala, Andrew Phiri, Benson Sakala and Joseph Sabobo Banda with the rest expected to join directly in Port Elizabeth. Austria based Jack Lahne will link up with the Chipolopolo squad in Port Elizabeth to audition for a place in the Zambia setup.

South Africa is a good side

“It feels good to be back with the national team. I have always wanted this chance, and it’s a big motivation for me,” Kangwanda told FAZ Media. “The two games are good preparation for the AFCON. South Africa is a good side. We have to prepare well for them. We are ready to face them.”

Kangwanda further urged fans to continue believing and supporting the team despite the recent poor string of results.

“Coaches at the club have always pushed me to work hard and bounce back here. I bring the experience and form from the club. To the fans, let them keep on believing in us and supporting us. We will make them proud,” he added.

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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