Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia are confident of defending their Cosafa Under-17 title in Mauritius this weekend.
Young Chipolopolo left for Mauritius on Tuesday to defend the Cosafa title they won in 2014 in Zimbabwe.
“We have prepared adequately for the tournament. I know it will be tough but we are ready to do our best so that the trophy comes back to Zambia,” Zambia Under-17 captain Daniel Kunda said prior to departure from Lusaka.
Kunda’s deputy, Musonda Kalale, added that they were excited to be heading into their first international tournament and that it was the best preparations for the team’s 2017 CAF Under-17 Cup qualifiers when they host Sudan in a second round, first leg tie during the weekend of August 5.
“It is our first time to play at an international tournament and I am sure we are more than ready for the challenge. We will emulate our colleagues who lifted the trophy in Zimbabwe,” Kalale said.
Zambia beat hosts Zimbabwe 3-0 in the last Cosafa Under-17 Cup held two years ago.
Young Chipolopolo are in Group B where they are drawn to play Madagascar, arch-rivals Malawi and guest side Kenya.
Oswald Mutapa’s side will kick off their title defence on July 22 against Kenya before facing Malawi on July 24.
They will face 2017 Caf Under-17 Cup hosts, Madagascar, in the final Group B match on July 26.
The semifinals will be played on July 29 while the final will be played on July 31 after the curtain-raiser third- and fourth- place playoff fixture.