The Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) will from 6^th to 12^th June, 2018 host the International Judo Federation (IJF) “Judo coaching practicals” level 1 and 2 which has attracted over 70 participants.

The coaching course has been hosted at the OYDC since 2016 and engages participants from English speaking African countries who will be instructed by six International Judo Federation experts.

Some of the countries which will be represented include; Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles, Gabon and Zambia the host nation.

Zambia Judo Association (ZJA) General Secretary Mabvuto N’guni, says the course will enhance performance of Zambian athletes stating that coaches who will be trained will impart the skills acquired by nurturing more judokas.

He disclosed that participants will be camped at the OYDC Lodge and will be utilising the Judo hall (Dojo) which on 26^th March, 2018 was handed over to Zambia Judo Association by the International Judo Federation.

Meanwhile, OYDC Director Dr. Fredrick Chitangala, has disclosed that preparations to host the IJF coaching practicals are progressing well. He has appealed to other sport organisations, NGOs and the corporate world to consider conducting similar coaching courses at the OYDC adding that this will greatly help the maintenance of the excellent sporting facilities which house over 20 sports disciplines.

*ARGENTINA*
Goalkeepers:Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Wilfredo Caballero (Chelsea), Franco Armani (River Plate)

*Defenders*: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Federico Fazio (Roma), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax), Marcos Acuna (Sporting CP).

*Midfielders*: Javier Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Lucas Biglia (Milan), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris Saint-Germain), Ever Banega (Sevilla), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors)

*Forwards*: Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus).

*AUSTRALIA*
*Goalkeepers:* Brad Jones (Feyenoord), Mat Ryan (Brighton), Danny Vukovic (Genk)

*Defenders*: Aziz Behich (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney Wanderers), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers)

*Midfielders:* Jackson Irvine (Hull), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Robbie Kruse (Bochum), Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers), Mark Milligan (Al Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield), Tom Rogic (Celtic)

*Forwards*: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City), Tim Cahill (Millwall), Tomi Juric (FC Luzern), Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian)

*BELGIUM*
*Goalkeepers*: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)

*Defenders*: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

*Midfielders*: Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion)

*Forwards*: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad)

*BRAZIL*
*Goalkeepers:* Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians)

*Defenders*: Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Geromel (Gremio), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians), Danilo (Manchester City), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid)

*Midfielders:* Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk)

*Forwards*: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk), Douglas Costa (Juventus)

*COLOMBIA*
*Goalkeepers*: David Ospina (Arsenal), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali), Jose Fernando Cuadrado (Once Caldas).

*Defenders*: Cristian Zapata (Milan), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Oscar Murillo (Pachuca), Frank Fabra (Boca Juniors), Johan Mojica (Girona), Yerry Mina (Barcelona).

*Midfielders*: Wilmar Barrios (Boca Juniors), Carlos Sanchez (Espanyol), Jefferson Lerma (Levante), José Izquierdo (Brighton Hove & Albion), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Abel Aguilar (Deportivo Cali), Mateus Uribe (America), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate), Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Juventus).

*Forwards*: Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Miguel Borja (Palmeiras), Carlos Bacca (Villarreal), Luis Fernando Muriel (Sevilla)

*COSTA RICA*
*Goalkeepers*: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid), Patrick Pemberton (Liga Deportiva Alajuelense), Leonel Moreira (Herediano)

*Defenders*: Cristian Gamboa (Celtic), Ian Smith (Norrkoping), Ronald Matarrita (New York City), Bryan Oviedo (Sunderland), Oscar Duarte (Espanyol), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Bologna), Francisco Calvo (Minnesota United), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Acosta (Aguilas Dorados)

*Midfielders*: David Guzman (Portland Timbers), Yeltsin Tejeda (Lausanne-Sport), Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruna), Randall Azofeifa (Herediano), Rodney Wallace (New York City), Bryan Ruiz (Sporting CP), Daniel Colindres (Saprissa), Christian Bolanos (Saprissa)

*Forwards*: Johan Venegas (Saprissa), Joel Campbell (Real Betis), Marco Urena (LAFC)

*CROATIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Lovre Kalinic (Gent), Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb).

*Defenders*: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Domagoj Vida (Besiktas), Ivan Strinic (Sampdoria), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid), Josip Pivaric (Dynamo Kiev), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen), Duje Caleta-Car (Red Bull Salzburg).

*Midfielders*: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Filip Bradaric (Rijeka)

*Forwards*: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan), Nikola Kalinic (AC Milan), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Marko Pjaca (Schalke), Ante Rebic (Eintracht Frankfurt)

*DENMARK*
*Goalkeepers*: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City), Frederik Ronnow (Brondby IF), Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield Town)

*Defenders*: Henrik Dalsgaard (Brentford), Simon Kjaer (Sevilla), Jens Stryger Larsen (Udinese), Mathias Jorgensen (Huddersfield Town), Jannik Vestergaard (Borussia Monchengladbach), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Jonas Knudsen (Ipswich Town)

*Midfielders*: William Kvist (FC Kobenhavn), Thomas Delaney (Werder Bremen), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur), Lukas Lerager (Bordeaux), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Deportivo), Lasse Schone (Ajax), Pione Sisto (Celta Vigo)

*Forwards*: Nicolai Jørgensen (Feyenoord), Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig), Viktor Fischer (FC Kobenhavn), Kasper Dolberg (Ajax), Andreas Cornelius (Atalanta), Martin Braithwaite (Bordeaux)

*EGYPT*
*Goalkeepers*: Essam El Hadary (Al Taawoun), Mohamed El-Shennawy (Al Ahly), Sherif Ekramy (Al Ahly).

*Defenders*: Ahmed Fathi, Saad Samir, Ayman Ashraf (all Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdel-Shafy (Al Fateh), Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom), Ali Gabr (Zamalek), Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Omar Gaber (Los Angeles FC).

*Midfielders*: Tarek Hamed, (Zamalek), Shikabala (Zamalek), Abdallah Said (Al Ahli), Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Mahmoud Kahraba (Al Ittihad), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City), Mahmoud Hassan (Kasimpasa), Amr Warda (Atromitos Athens).

*Forwards*: Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

*ENGLAND*
*Goalkeepers*: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley)

*Defenders*: Phil Jones (Manchester United), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Leicester City)

*Midfielders*: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)

*Forwards*: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

*FRANCE*
*Goalkeepers*: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Alphonse Areola (Paris Saint-Germain)

*Defenders*: Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart), Adil Rami (Marseille), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)

*Midfielders*: Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Blaise Matuidi (Juventus), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Steven N’Zonzi (Sevilla)

*Forwards*: Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Florian Thauvin (Marseille), Nabil Fekir (Lyon)

*GERMANY*
*Goalkeepers*: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain)

*Defenders*: Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin)

*Midfielders*: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen)

*Forwards*: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart)

*ICELAND*
*Goalkeepers*: Hannes Halldorsson (Randers), Runar Runarsson (Nordsjaelland), Frederik Schram (Roskilde)

*Defenders*: Kari Arnason (Aberdeen), Holmar Eyjolfsson (Levski Sofia), Rurik Gislason (Sandhausen), Sverrir Ingason (Rostov), Hordur Magnusson (Bristol City), Birkir Saevarsson (Valur), Ragnar Sigurdsson (Rostov), Ari Skulason (Lokeren)

*Midfielders*: Birkir Bjarnason (Aston Villa), Samuel Fridjonsson (Valerenga), Johann Gudmundsson (Burnley), Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City), Emil Hallfredsson (Udinese), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton), Olafur Skulason (Karabukspor), Arnor Traustason (Malmo)

*Forwards*: Jon Bodvarsson (Reading), Alfred Finnbogason (Augsburg), Albert Gudmundsson (PSV), Bjorn Sigurdarson (Rostov)

*IRAN*
*Goalkeepers*: Alireza Beiranvand (Persepolis), Rashid Mazaheri (Zob Ahan), Amir Abedzadeh (Maritimo, Portugal)

*Defenders*: Ramin Rezaeian (KV Oostende, Belgiium), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Padideh), Morteza Pouraliganji (Al Saad, Qatar), Pejman Montazeri (Esteghlal ), Seyed Majid Hosseini (Esteghlal), Milad Mohammadi (Akhmat Grozny, Russia), Roozbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal)

*Midfielders*: Saeid Ezatolahi (Amkar Perm, Russia), Masoud Shojaei (AEK Athens, Greece), Mehdi Torabi (Saipa), Ashkan Dejagah (Nottingham Forest, England), Omid Ebrahimi (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Olympiacos, Greece) Vahid Amiri (Persepolis), Ali Gholizadeh (Saipa) Karim Ansarifard (Olympiacos, Greece)

*Forwards*: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ, Netherlands), Saman Ghoddos (Ostersunds FK, Sweden), Mahdi Taremi (Al-Gharafa, Qatar), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan, Russia) Reza Ghoochannejhad (Heerenveen, Netherlands)

*JAPAN*
*Goalkeepers*: Eiji Kawashima (Metz, France), Masaaki Higashiguchi (Gamba Osaka), Kosuke Nakamura (Kashiwa Reysol)

*Defenders*: Yuto Nagatomo (Galatasaray, Turkey), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Maya Yoshida (Southampton, England), Hiroki Sakai (Marseille, France), Gotoku Sakai (Hamburger SV, Germany), Gen Shoji (Kashima Antlers), Wataru Endo (Urawa Reds), Naomichi Ueda (Kashima Antlers)

*Midfielders*: Makoto Hasebe (Frankfurt, Germany), Keisuke Honda (Pachuca, Mexico), Takashi Inui (Eibar, Spain), Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, Germany), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Genki Haraguchi (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany), Takashi Usami (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany), Gaku Shibasaki (Getafe, Spain), Ryota Oshima (Kawasaki Frontale)

*Forwards*: Shinji Okazaki (Leicester, England), Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen, Germany), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, Germany)

*MEXICO*
*Goalkeepers*: Guillermo Ochoa (Standard Liege), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul).

*Defenders*: Carlos Salcedo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Diego Reyes (Porto), Hector Moreno (Real Sociedad), Hugo Ayala (Tigres), Edson Alvarez (America), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey), Miguel Layun (Sevilla)

*Midfielders*: Rafael Marquez (Atlas), Hector Herrera (Porto), Jonathan dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Andres Guardado (Real Betis), Marco Fabian (Eintracht Frankfurt)

*Forwards*: Javier Hernandez (West Ham), Raul Jimenez (Benfica), Oribe Peralta (America), Jesus Manuel Corona (Porto), Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC), Javier Aquino (Tigres), Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)

*MOROCCO*
*Goalkeepers*: Mounir El Kajoui (Numancia), Yassine Bounou (Girona), Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti (Ittihad Tanger)

*Defenders*: Medhi Benatia (Juventus), Romain Saiss (Wolves), Manuel Da Costa (Basaksehir), Badr Benoun (Raja Casablanca), Nabil Dirar (Fenerbahce), Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid), Hamza Mendyl (LOSC)

*Midfielders*: Mbark Boussoufa (Al Jazira), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord), Youssef Ait Bennasser (Caen), Sofyan Amrabat (Feyenoord), Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray), Faycal Fajr (Getafe), Amine Harit (Schalke 04)

*Forwards*: Khalid Boutaib (Malatyaspor), Aziz Bouhaddouz (Saint Pauli), Ayoub El Kaabi (Renaissance Berkane), Nordin Amrabat (Leganes), Mehdi Carcela (Standard de Liege), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)

*NIGERIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC), Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United)

*Defenders*: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor), Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag), Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge), Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), William Ekong (Bursaspor), Leon Balogun (Mainz), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa)

*Midfielders*: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Joel Obi (Torino)

*Forwards*: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone)

*PANAMA*
*Goalkeepers*: Jose Calderon (Chorrillo FC), Jaime Penedo (Dinamo Bucharest), Alex Rodriguez (San Francisco FC)

*Defenders*: Felipe Baloy (CSD Municipal), Harold Cummings (San Jose Earthquakes), Eric Davis (DAC Dunajska Streda), Fidel Escobar (New York Red Bulls), Adolfo Machado (Houston Dynamo), Michael Murillo (New York Red Bulls), Luis Ovalle (CD Olimpia), Roman Torres (Seattle Sounders)

*Midfielders*: Edgar Barcenas (Cafetaleros de Tapachula), Armando Cooper (Club Universidad de Chile), Anibal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes), Gabriel Gomez (Bucaramanga), Valentin Pimentel (Plaza Amador), Alberto Quintero (Universitario de Lima), Jose Luis Rodriguez (KAA Gent)

*Forwards*: Abdiel Arroyo (LD Alajuelense), Ismael Diaz (Deportivo La Coruna), Blas Perez (CSD Municipal), Luis Tejada (Sports Boys), Gabriel Torres (CD Huachipato)

*PERU*
*Goalkeepers*: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC).

*Defenders*: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar).

*Midfielders*: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos Buap), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz).

*Forwards*: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).

*POLAND*
*Goalkeepers*: Bartosz Bialkowski (Ipswich Town), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City), Wojciech Szczęsny (Juventus).

*Defenders*: Jan Bednarek (Southampton), Bartosz Bereszyiski (Sampdoria), Thiago Cionek (SPAL), Kamil Glik (AS Monaco), Łukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Artur Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw), Michał Pazdan (Legia Warsaw).

*Midfielders*: Jakub Blaszczykowski (VfL Wolfsburg), Jacek Goralski (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kamil Grosicki (Hull City), Grzegorz Krychowiak (West Bromwich Albion), Rafał Kurzawa (Gornik Zabrze), Karol Linetty (Sampdoria), Slawomir Peszko (Lechia Gdansk), Maciej Rybus (Lokomotiv Moscow), Piotr Zielinski (Napoli).

*Forwards*: Dawid Kownacki (Sampdoria), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli), Lukasz Teodorczyk (Anderlecht).

*PORTUGAL*
*Goalkeepers*: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon).

*Defenders*: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica)

*Midfielders*: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)

*Forwards*: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas)

*RUSSIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge), Andrei Lunyov (Zenit St. Petersburg)

*Defenders*: Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat (Rubin Kazan), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Fyodor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrei Semyonov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St. Petersburg)

*Midfielders*: Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Yuri Gazinsky (FC Krasnodar), Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Daler Kuzyaev (Zenit St. Petersburg), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexander Samedov (Spartak Moscow), Alexander Yerokhin (Zenit St. Petersburg), Yuri Zhirkov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Roman Zobnin (Spartak Moscow)

*Forwards*: Artyom Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Alexei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fyodor Smolov (FC Krasnodar)

*SAUDI ARABIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Mohammed Al-Owais (Al Ahli), Yasser Al Mosailem (Al Ahli), Abdullah Al-Mayouf (Al Hilal)

*Defenders*: Mansoor Al-Harbi (Al Ahli), Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al Hilal) Mohammed Al-Breik (Al HIlal), Motaz Hawsawi (Al Ahli), Osama Hawsawi (Al Hilal)i, Omar Hawsawi (Al Nassr), Ali Al-Bulaihi (Al Hilal)

*Midfielders*: Abdullah Al-Khaibari (Al Shabab), Abdulmalek Al-Khaibri (Al Hilal), Abdullah Otayf (Al Hilal), Taiseer Al-Jassim (Al Ahli), Houssain Al-Mogahwi (Al Ahli), Salman Al-Faraj, Mohamed Kanno (both Al Hilal), Hattan Bahebri (Al Shabab), Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal), Yahya Al-Shehri (Al Nassr)

*Forwards*: Fahad Al-Muwallad (Al Ittihad), Mohammad Al-Sahlawi (Al Nassr), Muhannad Assiri (Al Ahli)

*SENEGAL*
*Goalkeepers*: Abdoulaye Diallo (Stade Rennes), Alfred Gomis (SPAL), Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya)

*Defenders*: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Saliou Ciss (Valenciennes), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Kara Mbodii (Anderlecht), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Salif Sane (Hannover 96), Moussa Wague (Eupen)

*Midfielders*: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United), Alfred Ndiaye (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City), Cheikh Ndoye (Birmingham City), Ismaila Sarr (Stade Rennes)

*Forwards*: Keita Balde (Monaco), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Mbaye Niang (Torino), Diafra Sakho (Stade Rennes), Moussa Sow (Bursaspor)

*SERBIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Vladimir Stojkovic (Partizan Belgrade), Predrag Rajkovic (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Marko Dmitrovic (Eibar)

*Defenders*: Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Branislav Ivanovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dusko Tosic (Guangzhou R&F), Antonio Rukavina (Villarreal), Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), Milan Rodic (Red Star Belgrade), Uros Spajic (Krasnodar), Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)

*Midfielders:* Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Marko Grujic (Liverpool), Adem Ljajic (Torino), Dusan Tadic (Southampton), Filip Kostic (Hamburg), Andrija Zivkovic (Benfica), Nemanja Radonjic (Red Star Belgrade)

*Forwards*: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle), Aleksandar Prijovic (PAOK Salonika), Luka Jovic (Benfica)

*SOUTH KOREA*
*Goalkeepers*: Kim Seung-Gyu (Vissel Kobe, Japan), Kim Jin-Hyeon (Cerezo Osaka, Japan), Cho Hyun-Woo (Daegu FC)

*Defenders*: Kim Young-Gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande, China), Jang Hyun-Soo (FC Tokyo, Japan), Jung Seung-Hyun (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Yun Yong-Sun (Seongnam FC), Oh Ban-Suk (Jeju United), Kim Min-Woo (Sangju Sangmu), Park Joo-Ho (Ulsan Hyundai), Hong Chul (Sangju Sangmu), Go Yo-Han (FC Seoul), Lee Yong (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)

*Midfielders:* Ki Sung-Yueng (Swansea City, England), Jung Woo-Young (Vissel Kobe, Japan), Ju Se-Jong (Asan Mugunghwa FC), Koo Ja-Cheol (FC Augsburg, Germany), Lee Jae-Sung (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Lee Seung-Woo (Hellas Verona, Italy), Moon Seon-Min (Incheon United)

*Forwards*: Kim Shin-Wook (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Hwang Hee-Chan (FC Red Bull Salzburg, Austria)

*SPAIN*
*Goalkeepers*: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

*Defenders*: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

*Midfielders*: Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid)

*Forwards*: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)

*SWEDEN*
*Goalkeepers*: Karl-Johan Johnsson (Guingamp), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Swansea), Robin Olsen (FC Copenhagen).

*Defenders*: Ludwig Augustinsson (Werder Bremen), Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar), Filip Helander (Bologna), Pontus Jansson (Leeds), Emil Krafth (Bologna), Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Martin Olsson (Swansea).

*Midfielders*: Viktor Claesson (Krasnodar), Jimmy Durmaz (Toulouse), Albin Ekdal (Hamburger SV), Emil Forsberg (Leipzig), Oscar Hiljemark (Genoa), Sebastian Larsson (Hull City), Marcus Rohden (FC Crotone), Gustav Svensson (Seattle Sounders).

*Forwards*: Marcus Berg (Al Ain), John Guidetti (Alaves), Isaac Kiese Thelin (Waasland-Beveren), Ola Toivonen (Toulouse).

*SWITZERLAND*
*Goalkeepers*: Yann Sommer (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Roman Burki (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (RB Leipzig).

*Defenders*: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Johan Djourou (Antalyaspor), Ricardo Rodriguez (Milan), Fabian Schar (Deportivo La Coruna), Francois Moubandje (Toulouse), Michael Lang (Basel), Manuel Akanji (Borussia Dortmund), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

*Midfielders*: Valon Behrami (Udinese), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke), Gelson Fernandes (Eintracht Frankfurt), Blerim Dzemaili (Bologna), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Steven Zuber (1899 Hoffenheim), Remo Freuler (Atalanta), Denis Zakaria (Borussia Monchengladbach).

*Forwards*: Haris Seferovic (Benfica), Josip Drmic (Borussia Monchengladbach), Breel Embolo (Schalke 04), Mario Gavranovic (Dinamo Zagreb).

*TUNISIA*
*Goalkeepers*: Farouk Ben Mustapha (Al Shabab), Moez Hassan (Chateauroux), Aymen Mathlouthi (Al Batin)

*Defenders*: Rami Bedoui (Etoile Sahel), Yohan Benalouane (Leicester City), Syam Ben Youssef (Kasimpasa), Dylan Bronn (Ghent), Oussama Haddadi (Dijon), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Yassine Meriah (CS Sfaxien), Hamdi Nagguez (Zamalek)

*Midfielders*: Mohamed Amine Ben Amor (Al Ahly Jeddah), Ghaylene Chaalali (Esperance), Ahmed Khalil (Club Africain), Seifeddine Khaoui (Troyes), Wahbi Khazri (Stade Rennes), Ferjani Sassi (Al Nassr), Elyes Skhiri (Montpellier),

*Forwards*: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Al Ittifaq), Anice Badri (Esperance), Saber Khalifa (Club Africain), Naim Sliti (Dijon), Bassem Srarfi (Nice). (Compiled by Mark Gleeson, editing by Clare Fallon)

*URUGUAY*
*Goalkeepers*: Martin Campana (Independiente), Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama)

*Defenders*: Martin Caceres (Lazio), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Maximiliano Pereira (Porto), Gaston Silva (Independiente), Guillermo Varela (Penarol)

*Midfielders*: Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro), Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus), Diego Laxalt (Genoa), Nahitan Nandez (Boca Juniors), Cristian Rodriguez (Penarol), Carlos Sanchez (Monterrey), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria), Matias Vecino (Inter), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Monterrey)

*Forwards:* Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain), Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo), Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Cristhian Stuani (Girona)

Zambia 1-0 Madagascar (Kambole 39’)

Lazarus Kambole’s first half strike saw Zambia beat Madagascar 1-0 in the first 2018 Cosafa Cup semifinal at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday afternoon.

The Chipolopolo will now face Zimbabwe in the final for the second straight year, after the defending champions beat Lesotho on post-match penalties in the second semifinal on Wednesday evening.

The Malagasy started better and Franklin Andriamanarivo’s men created more chances and tested the Zambian goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, but there were no goals after 20 minutes.

A great display by the Chipolopolo saw them ripping apart the Malagasy defence before Lazarous netted a fine finish, leaving the keeper with no chance in the 39th minute.

Zambia would come close to doubling their lead in the 42nd minute from a pass into the area, yet Kelvin Mubanga could not direct his effort as it sailed inches wide.

The Barea came back with hunger in the second half and nearly scored when Nasandratra saw his glancing header shaving Nsabata’s left-hand post.

In their response, Zambia displayed good touches in the 56th minute and tested Jean Leda, whose block with a leg stopped Beston Chambeshi’s troops doubling their lead.

With 19 minutes to go, Nasandratra failed to lower his effort with only Nsabata to beat after receiving the ball through a defence-splitting pass.

In the latter stages, the Zambians had a number of chances, but failed to score their second goal as the Malagasy were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Toky Adriamanjato was red carded for a reckless tackle.

The 2012 African champions held onto their slender lead to reach the final, while Madagascar will face Lesotho in the third-place playoff on Friday evening.

Zambia: Nsabata, Mutale, Kambole, Sakala, Ching’andu, Mayembe, Chirwa, Mubanga (Kampamba 66’), Chama (Sikombe 89’), Tembo, Sikaonga

Madagascar: Leda, Johny, Mikka (Lalaina 77’), Baggio (Nolody 60’), Nasandratra, Dax, Carlos, Mario, Bourah, Toby, Ando

Njovu (in white t-shirt), is a former Diggers and Zambia 15s Centre and is also current Head Coach o

The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has appointed Lawrence Njovu as Coach of its 15s National Team ahead of Saturday 9th June, 2018 International friendly against neighbours Zimbabwe.

Njovu, is a former Diggers and Zambia 15s Centre is also current Head Coach of Diggers Rugby Club who happen to be the league leaders in the ZRU 2018 LEAGUE.

In a statement, ZRU Head of Secretariat Noble Sinkamba said 32 players have been called into out of which the final 23 member final team will be announced on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Coach has said he is confident with the quality of players at his disposal and has assured rugby fans of a nice encounter as the two nations face off in “The Battle of The Zambezi” annual showdown.

Both teams are using the friendly to gauge their readiness for the upcoming competitions, ie, GOLD CUP FOR ZIMBABWE and SILVER CUP FOR ZAMBIA. Zambia will be hosting a tri-nations tournament from 7th July to 14th July, 2018 in Mufulira, Zambia.

The wait is over. It’s been two years in the making. Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Anas’s undercover investigation into football in Africa has revealed shocking footage of over 100 referees and officials taking cash before matches. BBC Africa Eye brings you this exclusive story about his highly controversial investigation.

Zimbabwe defeated arch rivals Zambia 4-2 after extra time at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday to claim the 2018 Cosafa Cup title.

Heading to this year’s final Cosafa Cup edition, the Chipolopolo of Zambia had an uphill battle as they were hoping to dethrone champions Zimbabwe.

The two Southern African giants faced off against each other last year in Rustenburg as the Warriors managed to emerge as victors over Zambia via a 3-1 win.

The Warriors, who trailed right to the death of regulation time before pulling the game out of the fire, have now won a record-extending six Southern African Championships – including the last two in succession.

Zimbabwe got off to flying start thanks to a terrible error in defence from Zambia’s Martin Sikoanga, whose square pass was intercepted by Philana Kadewere – the striker sprinted clean in on goal and got the better of Toaster Nsabata to put his side 1-0 up in just the fourth minute.

Yet Zambia hit back in the eighth minute to level the game at 1-1, with Lazarous Kambole running onto a great defence-splitting pass from John Ching’andu before rounding George Chigova and tapping into an empty net.

Zimbabwe went on to dominate the remainder of the first half, though they never really troubled Nsabata again – their best effort arrived in the 22nd minute when Talent Chawapiwa’s pull-back from the left found Khama Billiat, but his effort grazed the top of the crossbar.

Chipolopolo claimed the lead for the first time in the 50th minute, as a great counter attack saw Clatous Chama put Kambole through on goal with a great pass, and the striker showed his superb finishing skills by sending a low shot through the legs of Chigova to make it 2-1.

Zimbabwe pushed hard for the equaliser and should have drawn level in the 82nd minute when a free kick driven into the danger area was missed by Nsabata and found the head of Alex Mudimu, but the defender couldn’t direct his effort on target.

Zambia should have wrapped up the game in the third minute of injury time when substitute Ronald Kampamba had only the goalkeeper to beat, but sent his shot against the upright. Zimbabwe counter attacked and dramatically claimed an equaliser, with Billiat’s cushioned header allowing Kadewere to send a low shot past Nsabata’s right hand.

The match ended 2-2 after the regulation 90 and went to extra time. Eight minutes into the extra half hour, Kampamba was again at fault for Zambia as he pulled down Billiat in the 18-yard area to give Zimbabwe a penalty. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward took the spot kick himself and coolly converted to make it 3-2 to the Warriors.

Chipolopolo had no reply in what remained of the game and had to suffer the ignominy of another Billiat goal to wrap up the score at 4-2, with the mercurial forward latching onto an assist from Kadewere on a counter attack in the 117th minute.

On a calm and chilly Saturday June 9, 2018 afternoon in Lusaka, Zambia, expectant rugby fans flocked to the Chester Dean Arena at the Showgrounds to watch the much anticipated game dubbed “Battle of the Zambezi” as hosts Zambia faced neighbours Zimbabwe in an annual showpiece.

In an interview before the game, Head Coach Lawrence Njovu of Zambia was babbling with confidence. He said, “The boys have gone through their paces, each one knows what they need to do in order to get the job done”. He added that his charges were not under pressure despite having lost to Zimbabwe in Harare 2017. He further said the fact that the game was being played when the Zambian rugby league was almost half way through made his job easier as most players were at their peak and all he had to do was fine tune them to his specifications in order to please his expectant fans.

On the other hand, his Zimbabwean counterpart had this to say, “My boys know what they need to do, we are not here on picnic but to give them enough exposure for their eventual selection into the Sables ranks and file. He continued saying “Most of these boys are making their debut for Zimbabwe and are taking it very seriously and very personal hence we expect great display from our side.

When the game started, Zimbabwe made their intentions known by drawing first blood with an unconverted try, 6 mims later, hosts Zambia responded with a try of their own from lock Fernand Kashimoto which was easily converted by flyhalf Laston Mukosa. With a few minutes to go before half time, Centre and Zambia 7s skipper Israel Kalumba scored a brilliant try under the post after shaking off 4 Zimbabwean players in their own 22, again Mukosa was equal to the task and added the 2 points with ease. At the half time whistle, Zambia was leading 14-05.

After the break both teams brought lots of sparks in the game but Zambia proved the more determined with prop Birthlock Sikaona plowing through the Zim defence and dotting down a try which Mukosa failed to convert. Zimbabwe came back in the game by scoring a try courtesy of  which they also converted. However, the hosts had the final say of the day afTer in-form fullback scored a try in the dying minutes of the game which was successfully converted by Laston Mukosa.

When the referee Ben Phiri blew the final whistle, the entire audience gave both teams a standing ovation for excellent play and for displaying great sportsmanship on and off the pitch.

In post match interviews, both Coaches expressed satisfaction with their teams performance but noted that they still needed to do some work in order to get the best out of their boys. The Zim coach further said “My boys have outdone my expectations, as you know, when one is introduced on an international platform they usually experience Stage Fright but my boys skipped all that by putting Country First. The Zambia coach said ” The boys have brought back the smiles on our fans faces, they have announced their intentions even as they await to host Madagascar and Botswana in the Silver Cup to be played at Mufulira Rugby Club from 7th to 14th July, 2018. He further said that his technical bench was taking everything seriously as he aimed at restoring the fans confidence in Team Zambia. He also praised his team for brilliant execution of their tasks.

The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) President General Clement Sinkamba could not hide his delight after the game. He said his executive was working round the clock to source for sponsorship and this result would make things easier for them. He called on business houses to come on board and partner with the ZRU as it would be a win-win situation for all involved. He reiterated that his EXCO would put all logistics in place to ensure the team qualified to the Gold Cup which was a step closer to The Rugby World Cup.

Zambia under-20 national team assistant coach Charles Bwale has named four foreign based players in his provisional 28 member squad to face Burundi in the 2019 Niger Africa Cup of Nations first leg final round qualifier.

According to the provisional list released to FAZfootball.com by team manager Mwansa Kapyanga, the squad comprise Sweden based Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens), Lifumpa Mwandwe (Shrewsbury Town), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’ersheva) and the highly rated Mwiya Malumo (Wigan Athletic).

The team enters residential camp on Sunday 17th June, 2018 in Lusaka and may play some international friendly matches before facing Burundi on July 14 in Lusaka and July 21 in Ngozi.
Winner over two legs will qualify to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia are the reigning champions after having lifted the trophy on home soil in 2017.

FULL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Prince Bwalya (Green Buffaloes), Flobby Mashakalati (Circuit City), Derrick Sichangwa (Mufulira Police)

(DEFENDERS)

Benson Kolala (Nchanga Rangers), Jonathan Kapelembe (Romeki FC), Kingsley Hakwiya (Dream Factory), Christopher Katongo (Kasama United), Justin Mwanza (Young Nkana), Kunda Musonda (Ndola United), Benjamin Phiri (Gomes)

(MIDFIELDERS)

Obino Chisala (Happy Hearts), Muma Mumba (Green Eagles), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Victor Mubanga (Lumwana Radiants), Thomas Zulu (Kafue Celtic), Chanda Mukuka (Gomes), Boston Banda (Circuit City), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Prince Shipota (Prison Leopards), Lifumpa Mwandwe (Shrewsbury Town U18), Oliver Lumbiya (Young Nkana), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’ersheva U19)

(STRIKERS)

James Chilimina (Chirundu), Lameck Banda (Zesco United), Martin Njobvu (Nchanga Rangers), Mwiya Malumo (Wigan Athletic), Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens), Francisco Mwepu (Kafue Celtic)

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico after they beat Morocco by a margin of 69 votes to host the tournament which will be expanded to 48 teams for the first time.

The Moroccan bid used its final address to Fifa congress to point out that the country has a ban on weapons and would not hike up ticket prices to increase profit, a thinly veiled swipe at their rivals. But it was not enough to sway the room as they lost the vote, with the United bid receiving 134 votes to their 65.

Top Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe will be at the centre of the Group G FIFA World Cup match between Belgium and Panama at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.

Sikazwe will be assisted by Angolan Jerson Dos Santo and Zakhele Siwela of South Africa while Ryuji Sato of Japan will be the Video Assistant referee.

Group G also has Tunisia and England.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has congratulated Zambia’s flag carrier at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup – referee Nanny Sikazwe.

Sikazwe took charge of Monday’s Group G match between Belgium and Panama, which the former won 3-0, becoming the first Zambian referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the association is proud of Sikazwe’s achievements and hopes his success will inspire the younger generation to aim high in their pursuits.

“On behalf of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Executive and the entire football family, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Zambian referee, Janny Sikazwe for becoming the first Zambian referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup,” Kamanga said today.

“As an Association we are proud of the landmark Sikazwe has achieved and would like to encourage him to continue working hard to have more opportunities to represent Zambia at the ongoing World Cup and beyond.

Kamanga added: “We are confident that his example will encourage many youth people with the talent to aim high in all their endeavors knowing very well that everything is possible.

“Congratulations once more for this great achievement and good luck in all your future endeavors.”

Nkoloma Ward 1 Councilor Tasila Lungu has transformed dusty kuku ground into beautuful artificial grass football pitch.

Kuku is a shanty township in Chawama constituency where President Edgar Lungu, the father to Tasila Lungu served as Member of Parliament.

Tasila says:

“A few months ago I promised to update you on one of our many key community projects, that is to completely overhaul Kuku Ground in Nkoloma Ward 1.
The initial plan was to transform the current facility from a bare football ground surface to an all-weather artificial grass football pitch, with lavatories, running track, netball, volleyball and basketball courts, parking facilities in a securely fenced and lit facility that can provide 24 hour services to our people.
I reiterate, this is only the beginning as more developments are in the pipeline for the facility to provide additional services and amenities.
I would like to give special praise and congratulations to the ordinary men, women and the youth of Nkoloma Ward 1 for all their support and encouragement for this project.
Tasila Lungu

As the Zambia Rugby League enters week 14 on Saturday 23rd June, 2018 and only 4 games to go, the atmosphere has gotten tense for title contenders.

Diggers Rugby Club of Kitwe on the Copperbelt Province travel to Lusaka to take on defending Champions Red Arrows Rugby Club at the Yotam Muleya Stadium in the showgrounds.

Diggers Head Coach Lawrence Njovu (who is also Zambia Rugby 15s Head Coach) will be facing Red Arrows Head Coach Mwamba Chishimba (who is also Zambia Rugby 15s Assistant Coach).

Red Arrows have been Zambian Rugby Champions for the past 5 consecutive seasons after dislodging their opponents in Saturday’s encounter Diggers Rugby Club.

“This game will be the make or break of the season, both teams have got everything to play for and the winner of this game stands high chance of scooping the coverted league trophy”, according to local rugby analyst Tom Chaloba. He added by saying, “What makes this more interesting is that both Coaches will be keeping an eye out for players to be called into residential camp for the upcoming International encounter and everyone is cognisant of this fact”.

Other games to be played will see the Zambia Police sponsored Nkwazi Rugby Club facing Zambia Army sponsored Green Buffaloes Rugby Club, Nchanga Rugby Club versus Kansanshi Rugby Club, Roan Rugby Club versus Kitwe Playing Field, Green Eagles Rugby Club versus Mufulira “A” Rugby Club, Lusaka Rugby Club versus Konkola Rugby Club while Mufulira “B” Rugby Club will take on Ndola Rugby Club.

As Zambian Rugby Fans await kick off in the Africa Rugby Silver Cup tournament which will see hosts Zambia battle it out with Botswana Rugby and Madagascar Rugby, they will have a weekend filled with rugby action across the country in local games.

The Zambia Under-20 Men’s Football National Team has continued shaping for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations first leg final round qualifier against Burundi on July 14 in Lusaka.

Under-20 assistant coach Charles Bwale said that the England based duo of Mwiya Malumo and Lifumpa Mwandwe will miss Sunday’s international friendly match against Malawi but will be available for the July 7 encounter against South Africa.

Speaking after the morning workout at Miller Grounds, Bwale said that the team was in high spirits with minor injury concerns for skipper Prince Mumba, Lameck Banda and Israel based Klings Mwape.

He said that the trio had undergone x-rays at Maina Soko Military Hospital with only soft tissue injuries for Mumba and Banda while Kangwa was recovered from a fractured leg.

Zambia plays Malawi on Sunday with another friendly match against South Africa on July 7 at Nkoloma Stadium.

The African champions host Burundi on July 14 before playing the return leg on July 21.
Winners over two legs will qualify to the Niger 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

FULL SQUAD

(Goalkeepers)

Prince Bwalya (Green Buffaloes), Flobby Mashakalti (Circuit City), Derrick Sichangwa (Mufulira Wanderers)

(Defenders)

Benson Kolala (Nchanga Rangers), Jonathan Kapelembe (Romeki FC), Kingsley Hakwiya (Dream Factory), Christopher Katongo (Kasama United), Justin Mwanza (Young Nkana), Kunda Musonda (Ndola United), Benjamin Phiri (Gomes)

(Midfielders)

Obino Chisala (Happy Hearts), Muma Mumba (Green Eagles), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Victor Mubanga (Lumwana Radiants), Thomas Zulu (Kafue Celtic), Chanda Mukuka (Gomes), Boston Banda (Circuit City), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Prince Shipota (Prison Leopards), Lifumpa Yandwe (Shrewsbury Town), Oliver Lumbiya (Young Nkana), Klings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’ersheva U19)

(Strikers)

James Chilimina (Chirundu United), Lameck Banda (Zesco United), Martin Njobvu (Nchanga Rangers), Mwiya Malumo (Wigan Athletic), Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens IF) and Francesco Mwepu (Kafue Celtic)

Napsa Stars has named Mohammed Fathy as its new coach after parting ways with Elijah Chikwanda following a string of poor results.

Club board Chairperson Zingani Phiri has confirmed this on behalf of the club saying Coach Fatty has been tasked to help the team survive relegation.

“The major thing we have told the coach is to ensure he converts whatever situation we are into positives, we have faith in him as board,” Phiri said.

Coach Fathy will be assisted by Evans Sakala, Sipo Mumbi, Donwell Yobe and Lameck Nyangu who is goalkeeper trainer.

The Egyptian becomes the third coach at Napsa Stars in one season after only 19 games.

Under Chikwanda Napsa played 12 games, won once, lost five and drew six times.

Chikwanda took over from Linos Makwaza who assumed the top position in September 2017.

Napsa Stars stands 19th on the log having won only once, lost 11 times and drawn seven times.

Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotion Director of operations Christopher Malunga says World Boxing Council (WBC) has granted a rematch for Catherine Phiri and Fatima Zarika of Kenya.

Speaking to journalists at a press briefing, Monday, Malunga said his organization wrote to WBC over some technical issues they had noted over the match which took place on 2nd November 2017 in Kenya and requested for a rematch.

Fatuma retained the WBC Super Bantamwieght title due to a unanimous point decision after 10 rounds but she had cuts above the right and bellow left eyes which left her bloodied by Catherine’s punches in the 5th round.

Catherine Phiri has gone a weight further and will now be in the super bantamweight category. About K797,000 is expected to be raised over the bout that will be played in Zambia this year.

Charles Manyuchi won’t be part of Catherine’s bout because he will be fighting in Russia on the 18th of August.

And an Upcoming boxer Davy Mwale will participate in Catherine’s bout.

PHOENIX FM SPORTS

Messi Lionel

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli says star player Lionel Messi will see more of the ball in their crucial Group D match on Tuesday against Nigeria.

Argentina suffered a 3-0 loss against Croatia on June 21, with captain Messi especially isolated, only touching the ball 20 times in the first half, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I think that match was complicated for Leo, the structure of the game did not favor him,” Sampaoli told reporters during a pre-match press conference in Saint Petersburg.

“He did not get a lot of the ball from midfield and that was a mistake. If he had the ball less than usual then it is because Argentina did not dominate or have that many opportunities.

“But we have worked on that and, for the good of Argentina, I am sure Lionel Messi will have the ball much more against Nigeria than in the previous match,” he added.

Business Standard

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona has been taken to hospital following Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup.

The 57-year-old could be seen being helped from his seat at the St Petersburg Stadium, before collapsing into a chair inside the stadium.

He was immediately attended to by Russian paramedics and was transported to a local hospital shortly afterwards.

Maradona had earlier been filmed manically celebrating Marcos Rojo’s late winning goal and swearing at supporters and was branded a “laughing stock” by BBC presenter Gary Linker.

As television cameras swung his way, seconds after the ball hit the back of Nigeria’s net, Maradona thrust middle-finger gestures with both hands.

“There’s Diego Maradona celebrating,” said Lineker. “I think he might make the papers for a different kind of celebration, there’s a danger he’s becoming a laughing stock I’m afraid.

“[He’s] let himself down with that celebration. You understand how he’s euphoric, but this kind of reaction… Really, Diego?”

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was also less impressed with Maradona’s antics. “His career as a football player on the pitch was up there with the best,” added pundit Rio Ferdinand.

“Unfortunately there are moments like this that do arise it’s not nice to see that let him down.”

BBC sports presenter Dan Walker wrote on Twitter: “And that’s why you don’t show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime”

Last round of group games is at it’s best as Serbia and Brazil will play to advance from the group. Number one mobile betting site betPawa has introduced the new feature “pawaBoost” offering boosted odds for World Cup games every day.

Brazil started with a disappointing draw to Switzerland and was close to the same result against Costa Rica, but they managed to score two 90+ late goals and snatched three points.

Serbia started with a win over Costa Rica and then lost to Switzerland in a crucial game.

Best odds for the game

Brazil is favourited against Serbia and with betPawa offering boosted odds of 1.59. Serbia is offered 6.50 to walk away with three points, and a draw is being provided with 4.25.

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Prediction

Brazil would be in the next round with just one point, but a win would guarantee them top spot in the group with a high possibility to face Germany in the next round. A win would send Serbia through, but in case of a draw, they need Switzerland to lose and give away their goal difference.

We back Brazil to power through with finally getting their game-machine working.