Sichone Confident as Chipolopolo Set for Pre-AFCON Camp in Spain

Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone says he is pleased with the team’s progress as Zambia prepares to enter a crucial pre-AFCON international training camp in Spain.

Speaking to FAZ Media, Sichone revealed that the technical bench has been impressed with the players’ attitude and adaptation during the past two weeks of training.

“So far so good. We started two weeks ago and I like the progress,” he said. “We don’t have much time, but we’ve seen positive things. The players are receiving instructions well and responding positively.”

Sichone reiterated that the team is not going to the Africa Cup of Nations merely to participate, but to compete at the highest level, despite the high expectations from fans.

“We want players who are ready to fight for the country,” he said. “I won’t say we’re going to win the cup, but we want to compete and see how we play all the games. What the team needs right now is support and love from every Zambian.”

The coach also addressed the difficult decision of trimming the squad, which saw some local players miss out on the final list.

“It’s always tough because every player we call expects to make the final team, but we cannot keep everyone,” Sichone said. “I took time to speak to the individuals and encourage them. This is not the end of their career—they just need to keep working hard.”

Looking ahead to the pre-AFCON friendlies, Sichone stressed that all opponents will be treated with seriousness.

“We know Comoros and Mariano have strong teams, and we don’t even need to talk about Morocco,” he said. “We are preparing the players mentally and physically for all three games.”

However, the Chipolopolo will be without several foreign-based players for the start of the Spain camp, with most scheduled to arrive later than hoped.

“It’s unfortunate we won’t have the foreign-based players in good time,” Sichone confirmed. “I’ve spoken to the technical director about their arrival. I know Kingsley and Ruben Bomsonda will be released on the 14th. The plan is to have everyone on board for the final phase of preparations.”

Zambia is expected to conclude its squad assembly in Spain before finalising preparations for the continental showpiece.