Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has issued a rallying call to the local Chipolopolo squad ahead of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup, urging them to view the regional tournament as a critical stepping stone toward Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) success.
Speaking during a preparatory meeting with the squad, Mweemba reminded the players that while the COSAFA Cup is important in its own right, the ultimate objective is to restore Zambia’s dominance on the continental stage by clinching AFCON glory. The COSAFA tournament is scheduled to run from June 4 to 15 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but I don’t want us to rely on that proverb,” Mweemba said. “What we are saying is, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Together, everyone achieves more, that’s the first principle.”
Mweemba’s passionate address emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and ambition. He challenged the players to bring their best to the COSAFA Cup not just to defend Zambia’s honour, but to use the tournament as a benchmark for performance at higher levels of international football.
The Chipolopolo squad is expected to field a blend of domestic-based talent and emerging youth players, many of whom see the COSAFA Cup as a golden opportunity to break into the senior national team setup ahead of future AFCON qualifiers and international friendlies. For Mweemba, nurturing this next generation of players is crucial for Zambia’s long-term football success.
“The COSAFA Cup is not just a competition—it’s preparation for battle. It’s where we test our systems, our mentality, and our hunger for victory,” Mweemba said. “If we can master this level, we can dream bigger, and that dream should be AFCON.”
Zambia has a storied history at the COSAFA Cup, with multiple titles under its belt. However, Mweemba made it clear that while tradition is important, it is the future that matters most. He urged the players to carry the pride of the nation with humility and to see every match as a stepping stone toward the broader mission of reclaiming continental football glory.
As the team intensifies preparations for the June tournament, expectations are high among fans and football stakeholders alike. With strong leadership from FAZ and a determined squad of players hungry to prove themselves, the 2025 COSAFA Cup could mark the beginning of a new era for Zambian football.
Mweemba concluded with a motivational message to the squad: “Let your performance reflect the hopes of millions. Let COSAFA be the stage where we reignite the flame. The road to AFCON starts here—let’s walk it together, step by step.”