By Yvonne Sakala –
THE Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) has summoned 23 players to camp next week ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa under-19 Division-Two World Cup qualifiers to be hosted by South Africa.
The 23-member provisional team has been drawn from Copperbelt and the Midlands.
The team would be coached by experienced cricket tutor Saidi Malama, who will be assisted by Cephas Bwalya.
ZCU president Reuben Chama, who released the names in Lusaka yesterday, said the players would go into residential camp in Kitwe.
Chama said the players called for camp were tested cricketers who were actively participating in the senor league around the country.
He said the union was taking the ICC World Cup qualifying tournament seriously as it would enable the country first move up to Division-One where they will meet stronger cricketing nations in the region.
“We have called 23 players who will come for trials on July 30-31 in Kitwe. We will immediately start preparations for the championship.
“I don’t think the coaches will have difficulties with this group because these cricketers are already in the system, they play every week in the senior league,” Chama said.
He named the players as Sufyan Essa, Tiaan Pieterse, Mohammed Ghodiwala, Pethias Kashanga, Coilard Mwila, Bwalya Mwelwa, Patrick Kasanda, Paul Mubanga, Brian Banda and Angel Chilando.
The rest are Elvis Mwelwa, Benson Chama, Bwalya Mwila, Emmanuel Chansa, Michael Kunda, Mofya Mambwe, Danny Chipampe, Warren Siwaki, Gabriel Kaoma and Shem Musiki.