Gamphani Lungu earns Zambia call-up as Orlando Pirates release seven for FIFA dates

Orlando Pirates wingback Gamphani Lungu has been included in Zambia’s squad for the November FIFA dates, giving him another opportunity to represent the Chipolopolo after making a strong start to life at the Soweto club.

Lungu is one of seven Pirates players set to join their national teams this month. The group also includes Deon Hotto of Namibia, while Thalente Mbatha, Lebone Seema, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Chaine and Oswin Appollis have been selected by South Africa for two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.

Zambia coach George Lwandamina has named Lungu in his provisional squad for back-to-back Group I AFCON qualifiers against Burundi. The opening match will take place in Ndola on 13 November, with the return fixture scheduled for Bujumbura four days later.

Lungu, an off-season signing for Pirates, has scored four goals in 11 appearances since joining the club. He has predominantly operated on the wing and his form has earned him a further chance at international level.

He is now the only Zambian-based player in South Africa included in the Chipolopolo squad. That marks a change from previous years, when as many as half of Zambia’s squad were based in the Premier Soccer League.

Zambia provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Willard Mwanza, Lawrence Mulenga (both Power Dynamos), Luka Mainza (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).

Defenders: Mathews Banda (Bohemians Praha FC-Czech Republic), Zephaniah Phiri, Owen Mwamba (both Red Arrows), David Hamansenya (FC Slovan Liberec-Czech Republic), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Tinklar Sinkala (Zanaco), Ricky Chanda (Nomme United-Estonia), Jackson Phiri (Konkola Blades), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), William Kamwanga (Mufulira Wanderers).

Midfielders: Lameck Banda (Sewhly FC-Libya), Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates-South Africa), Joshua Mutale, Wilson Chisala, Owen Tembo (all Power Dynamos), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh-Sudan), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Allan Mumba (Zesco United).

Forwards: Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Albert Kangwanda (Young Africans-Tanzania), Patson Daka (Hamburg-Germany), Kennedy Musonda (Zesco United), Chanka Zimba (Vitroia De Sernoche-Portugal).