By GWEN CHIPASULA –

ZAMBIA basketball boys team coach Paul Mwale has expressed confidence that the players will perform wonders at the Zone Six Under-16 qualifiers set for Botswana this weekend.
Mwale said he had high expectations from the players despite them not having had proper preparations for the championship that also serves as qualifiers for the Africa Cup finals.
“My boys are ready and we can only expect a great outcome despite not going into camp early, I am confident that we shall still bring good results,” he said.
The Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) will be sending a male and female team of 12 players each to the tournament that has attracted 10 other countries.
Botswana will host the tournament at the National Youth Centre and has attracted Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The team placed first in the men competition will qualify to the Fifth FIBA Africa U16 to be held in Mali between June and July.
The women team to finish winners will qualify to the Fourth FIBA Africa U16 Women championship to be held in Madagascar.
The boys team has Philip Simpasa, Michael Hazemba, Edward ‘Telela’  Chaibela, Paul Simfukwe, Laston Jamakala, Obert Musongo, Wamulundi Simwinga, Nalumino Lienda, Jeremiah Sakala, Hlabela Zulu, Patrick Zulu and Noah Kabwe.
Felistus Mwaba leads the girl’s team that includes Precios Ondia, Mukongea Chilufya, Justina Soloshi, Viginia Mwanza, Agness Sakala, Abigail Phiri, Rachel Chibandika, Idah Nakala Samantha Mulenga and Wiza Chibale.