Wedson Nyirenda is still awaiting Zambia U20 star Emmanuel Banda to join the 2017 Cosafa Cup camp after Chipolopolo kicked off their preparations on Monday in Lusaka.

Banda is one of four players from the team that reached the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup quarterfinals in South Korea in Nyirenda’s side for the Cosafa Cup tournament that South Africa is hosting from June 25-July 9.

The midfielder, from Portugese lower tier side Esmoriz, is the only European-based call-up summoned for the Cosafa Cup.

“Emmanuel travelled to Portugal to renegotiate his contract with the club. I am told by the manager that today (Monday) is his last day of the negotiations so probably he should becoming. If he doesn’t come, we still have options for that position. Like I said, it is not an automatic position for any one,” said Nyirenda.

Other Under-20 stars summoned for Cosafa Cup duty are defender and captain Solomon Sakala from Napsa Stars, Lusaka Dynamos striker Conlyde Luchanga and Nkana defender Moses Nyondo.

Zambia, who have been handed a group stage bye, will enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage where they will face Botswana on July 1 at Moruleng.