Leicester’s Patson Daka, Serie A duo will boost Zambia's firepower against Bafana Bafana

As the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) heats up, touring Zambia are gearing up for crucial friendly matches against South Africa on Saturday and Burundi on Tuesday.

Head coach Moses Sichone has unveiled a formidable squad featuring 16 foreign-based players — a strategic move aimed at solidifying his team’s chances ahead of the continental showdown next month. The inclusion of high-calibre talent from leagues across Europe underscores Zambia’s ambition to make a deep run at the upcoming AFCON tournament.

Having recently succeeded the experienced Avram Grant, Sichone is eager to make his mark on the Chipolopolo. The upcoming fixtures offer an excellent opportunity to assess his players and fine-tune tactics in preparation for AFCON.

His approach mirrors that of South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who is similarly using these friendlies to finalise his squad. With both nations boasting rich histories in African football, Saturday’s encounter promises intensity and intrigue.

Among Zambia’s ranks are three standout players who could pose a serious threat to their South African counterparts.

Patson Daka

Undoubtedly one of the stars of the side, Leicester City’s Patson Daka finds himself in a challenging spell. In the fiercely competitive Premier League, he has managed just one goal in his last 41 appearances across all competitions.

It’s a surprising statistic for a player who once dazzled Europe, particularly during his time in Austria, where he was crowned Austrian League Player of the Year three years ago. Though he still shows flashes of brilliance with his pace and movement, the connection between creativity and finishing has faltered.

It’s widely felt that Leicester may not be utilising Daka in a role that best suits his strengths. At international level, however, his impact remains crucial — as shown in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where he scored three key goals for Zambia. His ability to find the back of the net remains vital to the national team’s ambitions.

Daka’s presence up front is a constant threat to opponents, as his past exploits have shown. The question now is whether Leicester can rediscover the version of Daka that once lit up Austrian football.

There is optimism within both the Foxes’ camp and among Zambian supporters that a return to form is on the horizon. For Daka, rediscovering his scoring touch will be essential — not only for his personal resurgence but also for Leicester’s season ambitions.

Lameck Banda

Lameck Banda, Zambia’s dynamic winger, has carved out a reputation as a dangerous presence in Italy’s Serie A, where he plays for US Lecce. Over the past four seasons, he has developed into one of the club’s standout performers.

While his career has taken him through stints in Russia and Israel, it is in Italy where Banda’s talents have truly flourished. Known more for his creativity than his goal-scoring, Banda has become integral to Lecce’s attacking approach.

With three international goals to his name — the last coming in 2023 — his true value lies in his ability to deliver precise crosses and create scoring opportunities for others. As a wide player, he excels at stretching defences and consistently poses a threat from the flanks.

His versatility makes him a key tactical asset, capable of adapting his play to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Banda’s rise from lesser-known leagues to the intensity of Serie A is a testament to his determination, discipline and talent.

Joseph Liteta

Zambia’s football fraternity is buzzing over the promotion of 19-year-old midfielder Joseph Liteta to Cagliari’s first team in Serie A. Many Chipolopolo fans already believe the uncapped youngster could be the next big thing in Zambian football.

Liteta’s breakthrough represents a beacon of hope for Zambian supporters eager to see new stars emerge on the global stage. The debutant midfielder will now have the chance to showcase the technical skill, athleticism and intelligence that have caught the attention of several European scouts.

Tall, agile and strong, he combines physical presence with speed — qualities that could make him a key figure for Zambia in the years ahead. The country’s history of producing top-tier footballers, such as Kalusha Bwalya and Chris Katongo, serves as inspiration for this new generation.

For many Zambians, Liteta’s progress is more than just an individual success story. It symbolises the continued growth and potential of Zambian football — and offers a glimpse of a brighter future for the Chipolopolo.