Zambia Under-17 Men’s National team coach George Chilufya believes his side can make history at the 2021 Morocco Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.
The young Chipolopolo will be making their second appearance at the continental edition, having made the debut in 2015 but could not make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament having lost twice to Guinea and Nigeria before beating hosts Niger 1-0.
“The message is clear and the boys are aware that there was a team that participated in the 2015 tournament. Unfortunately we did not come out of the group and now, our focus is mainly coming out of the group and that will give us direction,” said Chilufya after Monday’s training session at Edwin Imboela stadium in Lusaka.
From 41 players that were initially summoned for the training camp, 28 have remained and include nine players from the Under-15 national team which took part in an Eight-Nation Invitational tournament in Croatia last September.
Skipper Miguel Changa Chaiwa sat out of Monday’s training session but Chilufya says it is not something to worry about.
“It’s not so serious; he may be back as soon as possible.”
Chilufya said the on-going Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania has provided key lessons for the technical bench and players ahead of the Under-17 tournament that will be held in Morocco from 13 March – 31 March 2021.
“We are following what is happening; it’s unfortunate we don’t have spectators because they spice up the game but from what we have seen, the level of youth football in Africa is going up and I am sure the boys are motivated because we have watched a few games and it is going on well,” Chilufya said.