By SANDRA MWILA –

ZAMBIA Under-17 soccer coach, Chris Kaunda says his charges are ready to conquer the best at the Niger 2015 Africa Junior Championship later this month.
Kaunda, who is set to unveil his final 21-member squad tomorrow, said the players had responded positively to training they had undergone for two months and were now itching for the continental championship.
“If the finals were to start today or tomorrow, I can assure you we have a team that can do the honours, we are ready,” Kaunda, whose team is making a debut, told fazfootball.com after a training session National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The finals will be held in Niger later this month where the hosts will face Zambia, Nigeria and Guinea in Group A while Group B has South Africa,Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mali.
Meanwhile, senior national team coach, Honour Janza has tipped the Under-17 squad to reach the finals of the Africa Junior Championship.
Janza said the Kaunda-led side had an upper hand of winning the trophy as they have exhibited potential throughout their preparations and during the qualifiers.
He urged the junior team not to be intimidated but focus on the tournament and bring the trophy to Zambia.
“The Under 17 are a good side, they have what it takes to reach the finals and bring the trophy to Zambia,” Janza said.
He said the boys were the future senior national team and their journey to reach the Chipolopolo level would start with their performance at the Africa Junior Championship.
“They should believe in their abilities, and should remember when they are in Niger that they are carrying the nation on their shoulders,” the Chipolopolo trainer said.
Zambia’s first game will be against Guinea on February 15 before taking on Niger three days later.
Kaunda’s charges will wrap up their group stage with Nigeria on February 21.