MTN Zambia and Mopani Copper Mines have been named as the National Sponsor of the COSAFA Cup Zambia 2013 that will be played from July 6-20, 2013.
The COSAFA Cup is making a return to the football calendar after an absence of three years, with 14 teams set to gather in Zambia to battle for the crown of Southern African champion.
Meanwhile Malawi and Botswana have named their squads for the COSAFA tournament.
Malawi coach Eddingtone has blended youth and experience and has included the likes of veterans Fisher Kondowe and Davie Banda, together with an exciting mix of young rising stars in the Malawi game.
Prolific goal scorer Rodrick Gonani will be an exciting player to watch, while new faces include Silver Strikers captain Lucky Malata, midfielders Patrick Gunde (Civo United) and Junior Chimodzi (Silver Stars).
Malawi has been given a bye into the quarterfinals of the COSAFA Cup Zambia 2013, where they will face holders Zimbabwe. The Flames’ best finish in the competition is the runner-up places they secured in 2002 and 2003, losing to South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively in the finals.
Botswana on the other hand has named a team with a number of players in the selection who have been involved in the recent 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Exciting young striker Tebogo Sembowa from Gaborone United is one, along with his club mate, the experienced Moemedi Moatlhaping. Forward Kekaetswe Moloi from Township Rollers has also got the nod in what is a squad filled with locally-based players.
Botswana has been drawn in Group B at the COSAFA Cup Zambia 2013 along with Kenya, Lesotho and Swaziland. They open their campaign against Swaziland on July 7 in Kitwe.
Their best finish at the COSAFA Cup has been two semi-finals appearances in 2006 and 2007 where they lost to Zambia and South Africa respectively.
Malawi squad;
Goalkeepers: Owen Chaima, Charles Swini
Defenders: Sankhani Mkandawire, Douglas Chirambo, John Lanjesi, Lucky Malata, Bongani Kaipa, George Nyirenda
Midfielders: Junior Chimodzi, Fisher Kondowe, Davie Banda, Patrick Gunde, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Joel Chipofya, Frank Banda, Chimango Kaira
Strikers: Gaston Simkonda, Gabadinho Mhango, Rodrick Gonani, Missiam Mhone
Botswana Squad:
Mompoloki Sephekolo, Noah Maposa, Mompati Thuma, Ndiyapo Letsholathebe, Oscar Ncenga, Edwin Olerile, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Tebogo Sosome, Ntesang Simanyana, Jackie Mothatego, Galabgwe Moyana, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Richard Legwaila, Tebogo Sembowa, Lemponye Tshireletso, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Kekaetswe Moloi, Moshe Gaolaolwe, Gift Moyo, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng.