Zambia coach Sichone vows to take South Africa friendly seriously

Zambia national team coach Moses Sichone has explained the importance of their upcoming friendly match against South Africa during the November FIFA international break.

This will be the first assignment for Sichone, who was handed the mantle to handle the Chipolopolo following the sacking of former Chelsea coach Avram Grant. Bafana Bafana, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will host their regional rivals at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on November 15.

Both Zambia, and South Africa will use the build-up to gauge their preparedness ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

“We are expecting a tough game against South Africa. And we also want to give them a good friendly game. So we are not just going there to go and play. We’re taking it so seriously, and we also want to win the game because South Africa qualified for the World Cup, and it’s a good test for us,” Sichone said as quoted by Bola News.

“As a technical bench, we are taking this game as if it’s a cup final. We know that they have underrated us. I’ve been reading some comments which are coming from South Africa — they wanted to play Brazil — but for us, we take it as it comes. So we are taking this game very seriously, and we hope to go and get a positive result.”

Zambia will face Mali, Comoros, Morocco in AFCON

Asked whether he feels any pressure heading into his first match in charge, Sichone responded: “I know this is not a club. I’m representing the entire twenty million people plus. So the only thing I can do is I need support. I know the job that I’m in, so I’m just looking forward to every game that comes until the AFCON.

“Expectations here, I know they are always high. People are looking for results. But one thing we shouldn’t be forgetting is that we’ve been having upside-down situations.

We will try and do our level best to make sure that the team brings glory to mother Zambia. So the only thing that I expect from all Zambian fans — from the entire nation — is the support.”

In Morocco, Zambia will face Mali, Comoros, and hosts Morocco.