By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Four members of the 2012 AFCON-winning team have received technical bench appointments to the Zambia Under 17 national team.
Collins Mbesuma, Nathan Sinkala, Joshua Titima and Rainford Kalaba will all be members of Chris Kaunda’s backroom staff.
In a statement on Tuesday, FAZ general secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the quartet’s appointment, who will work under Kaunda, whose confirmation as head coach of the Zambia U17 team was also announced yesterday.
“The appointment of the U17 technical bench is meant to give them room to start preparations for forthcoming assignments. We are confident that the experience that coach Kaunda brings to the table will re-energise the team,” Chakatazya said.
“Part of the task of this bench will be to ensure that the team qualifies to the AFCON which is a gateway to FIFA World Cup. Having missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we are determined to qualify for the 2027 edition.”
Titima, who was the third-choice goalkeeper at AFCON 2012, will be the goalkeeper coach, and this will be his first national team assignment.
Mbesuma will also be taking up his first national team appointment, and he will be the strikers’ coach.
Sinkala too makes his technical debut in the national structures, and he will be the U17 team equipment manager.
Kalaba will be the U17 national team ambassador after previously serving in a technical role at the same level.
Meanwhile, Dennis Makinka and Dabwitso Nkhoma will be Kaunda’s first and second assistants, respectively.
Ex-Chipolopolo left back Clive Hachilensa will be the physical trainer.
Other appointments are Matambo Lukhanda as team manager and Keith Mulamba to head security, while Dr Emmanuel Kanswe and Isaac Sichali will be the U17 medical personnel.
