Himambo urges Junior Chipolopolo to stay focused.

Mr Himambo made the call when he visited the team at Izzy Stay Hotel in Maputo, accompanied by Mooya Ng’andu, First Secretary Administration at the Zambian Embassy in Maputo.

Mr Himambo encouraged the players to approach the tournament with a winning mentality while maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship.

“We shall play to win though if we win it must not be taken like we are competing in life, it is just a game. We should be winners,” Mr Himambo said.

He  further urged the players not to be overwhelmed by expectations, while emphasising the importance of competing for the trophy.

“Malawi and Zambia are sisters and if Malawi wins the trophy, Zambia will also celebrate. Otherwise we don't expect to overload the team with a lot of expectations but winning the cup is the most important thing,” he said.

The Junior Chipolopolo are chasing a record extending 13th COSAFA Under-20 title and are in Group C alongside Malawi, Comoros and Botswana.