By ELIAS CHIPEPO –

THE Zambia 15’s squad today begin their quest to win promotion to Group 1B when they take on Nigeria in the opening match of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup Group 1C match in Botswana.
The 14th edition of the tournament is scheduled for Gaborone and will run from June 14 to 21 and will feature six nations Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Swaziland and Zambia.
The Africa Cup is an annual international rugby union tournament for African nations organised by CAR and it has three divisions that are played in 15’s rugby, the Division 1A, 1B and 1C. There is also Division 2 but it is played in sevens rugby.
Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) committee member Muleya Moono said the team that left Lusaka on Thursday was in high spirits and looking forward to the competition.
Moono said the players picked for the tournament are aware of the task of winning promotion to Group 1B.
Thus the task lies on coach Innocent Sakala to pick a right combination that should see Zambia overcome Nigeria to make a good start to the competition and will look up to the likes of Terry Kaushiku, Edward Mumba, Mcmanus Musonda, Israel Kalumba, Kapindu Nyangu and Larry Kaushiku among others for victory.
Also up for selction are the likes of Berthlock Sikaona, Sapwe Chalwe, Siulapya Chungu, Shadrick Kando, Thaddius Chipoya, Donald Mashawa, Ronald Malipenga, Peter Lishika, Andrew Mwape, Israel Kalumba, Mulenga Kabaso and Chishimba Kafula.
There is also Chilundami Kaluba, Bernard Mukwamba, Paston Kasonde, Chama Mutiti, Ali Bhika, Alex Kaingu and Fernard Kashimoto.
Meanwhile, on the local scene, the national league enters Week Nine with leaders ‘Men At Work’ Diggers aiming to extend their lead at the helm of the table in the absence of champions Red Arrows.
Arrows match against Roan has been postponed owing to a number of players involved with the national team in Botswana. Diggers play Chibuluma with Green Buffaloes hosting Nkwazi as ‘Powerhouse’ Lusaka makes a trip to Kabwe to face Green Eagles.
Diggers lead the chart with 25 points followed by Arrows, who have played a game less, on 23 points.