Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia Under-17
Zambia Under-17 begin their Cosafa Cup title defence on Friday in a Group B opener against Kenya in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Young Chipolopoplo are gunning for an equaling second title to tie with record winners South Africa.
Coach Oswald Mutapa’s team also heads into the tournament facing its first competitive test under the new boss who is deputized by his young brother and ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Perry Mutapa in a rare brother pairing on a Zambia bench.
“It is our first time to play at an international tournament and I am sure we are more than ready for the challenge,” Zambia vice-captain and midfielder Musonda Kalale said.
“We will emulate our colleagues who lifted the trophy in Zimbabwe.”
This will also be the two sides first-ever meeting in a competitive game at Under-17 level while Kenya are participating in the Cosafa Cup as a guest team.
Meanwhile, Zambia need make a flying start to the title defence with a big derby date against arch-rivals Malawi to come in their penultimate Group B match on July 24.
Oswald Mutapa’s side will later face 2017 Caf Under-17 Cup hosts’ Madagascar in their last Group B match on July 26.
The two top sides from Group B will qualify to the semi-finals to be played on July 29.
A good preliminary round campaign will be key for Zambia who are also using the tournament as preparations for their 2017 Caf Under-17 Cup second round qualifiers coming up in August against Sudan.