In anticipation of the upcoming 2023 COSAFA Cup, Zambia's national football team has revealed a 30-member provisional squad consisting entirely of local players. The squad is set to engage in an international friendly against Kuwait, which will take place in Egypt on June 12, 2023. However, this friendly encounter poses a scheduling conflict as it coincides with Zambia's crucial AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast. Consequently, Kabwe Warriors coach Numba Mumamba has been appointed to lead the local squad, with assistance from Mwenya Chipepo of Power Dynamos and Masautso Tembo from Green Buffaloes. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed its commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talent by exposing players to regional and continental competitions, such as the COSAFA Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN). As the defending champions of the COSAFA Cup, Zambia has been drawn into Group B for the upcoming tournament in July. They are slated to face formidable opponents in Malawi, as well as the two island nations of Seychelles and Comoros. Among the notable inclusions in the 30-member provisional squad is Kafue Celtic's talented under-17 striker, Emmanuel Mwanza. Mwanza's impressive performances during the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria earlier this year earned him a spot on the team. The young forward showcased his prowess by averaging a goal per match during the tournament, catching the attention of the national selectors. FULL SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Francis Mwansa (Trident FC), Allan Chibwe (Forest Rangers), Jeban Tembo (Red Arrows) DEFENDERS Luka Banda (NAPSA Stars), Aaron Katebe (Power Dynamos), Kebson Kamanga (Red Arrows), Isaac Zulu (Green Eagles), Bwembya Kakungu, Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Kondwani Chiboni (Nkana), Gideon Sichone (Green Buffaloes), Mathews Chabala (Nchanga Rangers) MIDFIELDERS Francis Zulu (Prison Leopards), Joshua Mutale, Frederick Mulambia, Linos Makwaza Jr (all Power Dynamos), Jack Chirwa, Golden Mashata, John Kosamu (all Green Buffaloes), Abraham Siankombo (ZANACO), Chanda Mukuka (ZESCO United), Oliver Lumbiya (Nkana), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Saddam Yusuf Phiri (Red Arrows) STRIKERS Lazarous Kambole (ZESCO United), James George Ngoma (Green Buffaloes), Amity Shamende (Green Eagles), Kingstone Mutandwa (Athletico Lusaka), Cephas Mulombwa (Forest Rangers), Emmanuel Mwanza (Kafue Celtic)