Part 2 - Zambians flying under the radar in Europe - Are you watching Avram Grant?

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Wednesday May 15, 2024. 14:00

Zambia head coach Avram Grant is poised to reveal the squad that will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June 2024.

The experienced Israeli tactician Grant will be hoping to mastermind victories over Morocco away and Tanzania at home.

African Football takes a look at excelling European-based players who are either uncapped or haven’t played for Chipolopolo in a long time.

Peter Chikola – Cadiz CF II

The 21-year-old is coming off his first full season in Europe having turned out for Cadiz’s reserve side in the Segunda Federación (Spanish fourth tier).

Chikola, who can operate as a left-back and winger, featured in 13 league matches – scoring once and providing one assist for the Yellow Submarine.

The former Zambia under-20 international is yet to turn out for Chipolopolo, but his versatility could prove to be important for Grant’s side.

Ngosa Sunzu – FC Silon Táborsko

The Chililabombwe-born midfielder established himself as a key player for Taborsko in the second round of the 2023/24 Czech FNL (second tier) season.

Sunzu, 25, started eight matches as Táborsko pushed for promotion to the Czech top tier (First League) and narrowly missed out on a promotion playoff spot by one point.

The last time the former Zambia under-20 and under-23 international featured for Chipolopolo was at the 2018 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.

Kingstone Mutandwa – Cagliari Calcio

The gifted youngster became a regular in Cagliari’s Serie A matchday squad in 2024 having impressed in Italy’s top development league (Campionato Primavera 1).

Mutandwa has featured in four matches including a win over Empoli FC and a defeat to Italian giants AC Milan having won legendary coach Claudio Ranieri’s trust.

The 21-year-old attacker is yet to play for Chipolopolo, but he was part of the Zambia squad at the 2023 Under-20 AFCON finals where he scored against Tunisia.

READ: Part 1 – Zambians flying under the radar in Europe – Are you watching Avram Grant?