The Football Association of Zambia has appointed Desmond Mngawa as senior national team manager.

The former Zanaco defender who is currently a soccer analyst takes over from Hastings Ndovi.

In a statement availed to the media yesterday, FAZ Communications manager Mwazipeza Chanda said that Mngawa joins the Chipolopolo technical bench currently in camp in Lusaka.

The national team is preparing for a formality AfCON 2019 qualifying Group K game against Namibia to be played on Saturday March 23 at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, 25 players have been called to camp between March 10 – 13 as follows :

Lawrence Mulenga, Justin Munyikwa, Gregory Sanjase, Allan Kamwanga, Jimmy Chisenga, Lawrence Chungu, Stephen Kabamba, Isaac Shamujompa, Luka Banda, Adrian Chama, Munene Nchimunya, Ernest Mbewe, Bruce Musakanya, Austin Muwowo, Lameck Silwamba, Benson Sakala, Jackson Chirwa, Mike Katiba, George Chaloba, Clement Mundia, Spencer Sautu, Tapson Kaseba, Moses Phiri, Alex Ngonga and Rodger Kola.

And FAZ further advised the public that the recruitment process for the positions of technical director was concluded on Friday 9 March and four candidates were shortlisted.

“Local and foreign applications were received and late entries were also considered. The name of the successful candidate will be announced in due course. Recruitment of the junior national team coaches is still on-going and the association is still receiving applications,” read the statement.

The Under 23 team will travel to South Africa on Monday March 11 for camp, with international friendlies lined up ahead of the March 20 game to be played in Malawi’s Blantyre.