In a call for renewed focus and intensity, the President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, has urged the U17 national football team to reboot their preparations ahead of the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup. With the tournament fast approaching, Kamanga emphasized the need for the players to intensify their training, improve tactical discipline, and stay mentally focused to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges of international competition.
Kamanga’s call to action comes after the U17 team faced some challenging moments in their recent friendlies, where they showed glimpses of talent but also exposed areas that need refinement before the global spotlight is turned on them. The U17 squad is currently undergoing intense training sessions aimed at enhancing their skills and team coordination. Kamanga, while acknowledging the hard work and commitment of the players and technical staff, expressed concerns over the need for a more cohesive, high-intensity training regime.
Kamanga addressed the media during a press conference where he stated, We have a talented group of young players, but talent alone will not take us far. We need consistency in our approach. The World Cup is a big stage, and we need to ensure our team is mentally and physically ready to compete at the highest level. It’s crucial that they understand the demands of the competition and show resilience when things don’t go according to plan.
While the U17 team has shown promise in their regional qualifiers, Kamanga was clear that the competition at the World Cup will be significantly tougher. He stressed that Zambia must not only perform well but also prove their ability to compete with some of the world’s best young footballers.
Kamanga also took the opportunity to praise the team’s technical staff, including head coach Kaluba Kangwa, for their efforts in preparing the players. However, he noted that more needed to be done to ensure the squad gels together effectively in the lead-up to the tournament. The coaching staff has been doing a fantastic job, but now it’s time to push even harder, Kamanga said. The World Cup is not only about individual brilliance but about how well the team works together.
One of the key aspects Kamanga highlighted was the importance of mental fortitude. With a challenging journey ahead, both on and off the pitch, he emphasized that the young players must be ready to handle the pressures of the competition. This is a crucial period where mental toughness is as important as skill, Kamanga said. They need to believe in themselves, stay focused on the task at hand, and support each other as a team.
The FAZ president also outlined that tactical discipline and a strong defense would be vital in the World Cup, given the high level of competition. We need to tighten up our defense and ensure that our attacking play is effective and strategic, Kamanga noted. Every detail counts at this level, and the players need to be sharp, not only in their decision-making but also in their ability to execute under pressure.
As the U17 team heads into the final stages of their World Cup preparations, Kamanga remains hopeful that the players will embrace the challenges and rise to the occasion. He reiterated that Zambia has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament, provided they stay disciplined, focused, and united.
The World Cup is a massive opportunity for these young boys to showcase their talents and make their mark on the global stage. We are behind them every step of the way, and I believe they can achieve great things, Kamanga concluded.
With the clock ticking down to the start of the FIFA U17 World Cup, the Zambia U17 team faces an important period of training and fine-tuning. If Kamanga’s words resonate with the players, and if they can build on the momentum gained from their qualifiers, they will be ready to take on the world’s best and make their nation proud.
