FAZ Gears Up for AFCON and WAFCON Preparations with International Camps and Friendlies
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced comprehensive plans to prepare the nation’s teams for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, including both the men’s and women’s competitions. In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, FAZ is committed to ensuring the national teams have international exposure and the best possible preparations ahead of their respective tournaments.
FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala revealed that all qualified teams will undergo international training camps complemented by friendly matches next year. The move aims to sharpen their competitiveness and ensure readiness for the continental showpiece events.
As part of the preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, FAZ will host a Four Nations Tournament in March. According to Mungala, this tournament will help assess the Copper Queens’ readiness. “We will announce the specific teams that will participate in the Four Nations Tournament soon. We also hope to camp the team in Morocco or a nearby location to acclimatize and continue preparations,” he said.
The Copper Queens will engage in several friendly matches during their camp, which is expected to take place either in Morocco or a neighboring country, ensuring the players are familiar with the conditions they will face during the WAFCON tournament.
For the Senior Men’s National Team, FAZ has lined up international friendly matches during the FIFA window ahead of the 2025 AFCON, which will also be held in Morocco. Mungala clarified that the specific opponents for these friendlies will be announced after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the tournament draws.
Similarly, the CHAN National Team, composed of locally-based players, will also benefit from international camps and friendly matches to fine-tune their squad.
Soccer analyst Puncherello Chama commended FAZ’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of team cohesion that comes with camping and friendly matches. “This is a positive step as it allows players to bond and improve their understanding on the field,” Chama said.
Another analyst, Joshua Kutela Machona, applauded the association’s strategy, noting that international exposure is key to enhancing performance. “The players will gain much-needed experience, and these preparations will translate into better outcomes during the tournaments,” Machona added.
With these plans in motion, FAZ aims to position Zambia’s teams as strong contenders on the continental stage, fostering optimism among fans and stakeholders alike.