South Africa vs Zambia: 7 Chipolopolo stars to watch against Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana are set to take on Zambia in a friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday and they will face a team full of quality.

Zambia coach Moses Sichone, just installed this month, named a squad of experienced players with a few youngsters with a number of foreign-based stars set for the clash with South Africa.

Here are the players who could tilt the balance in Zambia’s favour.

Miguel Chaiwa – The Midfield Anchor

At just 21, Miguel Changa Chaiwa has already shown maturity beyond his years. Currently playing in Scotland with Hibernian, Chaiwa is a defensive midfielder who thrives on breaking up play and keeping things tidy in possession. His ability to shield the backline and dictate tempo will be vital against South Africa’s fast transitions.

Albert Kangwanda – The Direct Threat

The 26-year-old Albert Kangwanda is a versatile forward with pace and an eye for goal. Having played across Zambia, Sudan, and now Moldova, Kangwanda brings unpredictability to Zambia’s attack. His ability to stretch defences and cut inside from wide areas makes him a constant danger, especially if Bafana’s full-backs leave space behind.

Andrew Phiri – The Rising Striker

Andrew James Phiri, 24, has emerged as one of Zambia’s most promising forwards. After impressing at FC MUZA and earning accolades as Young Player of the Year, he now plies his trade in Tanzania with Singida Black Stars. Phiri’s sharp movement in the box and instinctive finishing could punish any lapse in concentration from South Africa’s defence.

Kelvin Mwanza – The Midfield General

Veteran midfielder Kelvin Mwanza has been the heartbeat of FC MUZA, guiding them through domestic success and continental competition. His leadership and composure provide balance to Zambia’s youthful side. In a high-pressure fixture like this, Mwanza’s calm distribution and tactical awareness could steady Chipolopolo when the game gets frantic.

Fashion Sakala – The Star Forward

Fashion Sakala, 28, is Zambia’s headline act. Now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fayha after a spell at Rangers in Scotland, Sakala combines blistering pace with clinical finishing. With 10 international goals to his name, he remains Chipolopolo’s most potent weapon. If Zambia are to break down Bafana’s defence, Sakala’s flair and directness will be central.

Lameck Banda – Fleetfooted Winger

At 24, the left winger has played in Zambia, Russia, Israel and is currently plying his trade with Serie A club Lecce.

Banda does not have many goals to his name with just four and eight assists for Lecce in 85 games but he brings something to the game that Bafana Bafana will not like.

The forward goes down too often in a bid to win set-pieces for his team while he is good at crossing into the box, is fleetfooted and likes to shoot from distance.

Patson Daka – The English-based Striker

No list of Zambia’s dangermen is complete without Patson Daka. The Leicester City forward has become Chipolopolo’s talisman, carrying the mantle once held by legends like Kalusha Bwalya. Quick, powerful, and ruthless in front of goal, Daka has consistently delivered for club and country. His ability to press defenders, exploit space, and finish clinically makes him the player Bafana Bafana will fear most.