Sports Minister Advocates Another Opportunity for Chipolopolo

Sports Minister Advocates Another Opportunity for Chipolopolo

The government is urging football enthusiasts to grant the current Chipolopolo boys’ squad an opportunity to develop after their early exit from the ongoing 2023 AFCON tournament.
Sports Minister Elvis Nkansu emphasized that it was the team’s first experience at such a high level, excluding key defender Stopilla Sunzu, who was a crucial part of the victorious 2012 squad.

Nkansu has called upon the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to retain the current technical bench, citing its potential to guide the nation to qualification for both the AFCON 2025 and the World Cup.
While urging coach Avram Grant and his team to continue scouting players abroad with Zambian roots, Nkansu emphasized the importance of infusing young talent into the squad to ensure not only qualification but also success in upcoming tournaments.

Grant has been advised to explore the inclusion of more young players to strengthen the team.
Nkansu affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the effort, referencing the case of U.S.-based Zambian defender Aime Mabika and assuring FAZ that necessary resources, as facilitated previously, will be provided for players’ preparation and compensation.

Speaking on ZNBC’s sports program, Nkansu also conveyed the assurance that FAZ’s patron, President Hakainde Hichilimea, is committed to making resources available for training camps and athlete payments.