By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

THE Zambia Under-17 boy’s team has been invited to compete in a youth football tournament to be held in Russia next month.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager Nkweto Tembwe said the invitation was made possible through the initiative of the Zambian Government and the Russian Embassy.
Tembwe said the tournament to be held in Moscow, will take place from May 13 to 18.
He said in a statement yesterday that FAZ has since engaged tournament organisers and youth teams in Europe with the view of taking part in more tournaments.
Tembwe said the move was aimed at exposing and preparing the team for the qualifiers in July and more importantly on the road to the 2017 Africa Youth Championships to be staged by Zambia.
“We have a number of activities lined up for the Under-17 before they begin their qualifiers in July starting with a match against the Under-20 who will also be going into camp to prepare for next month’s qualifiers.
The activities are part of the association’s campaign to keep all our junior teams active throughout the year,” he said.
And coach Chris Kaunda has summoned 24 players who include Italy based Benjamin Phiri, who plays for Soukaina Circolo Italiano, into camp to prepare for the tournament.
The players summoned to report at the FAZ Technical Centre on Sunday include goalkeepers Charles Muntanga (Nchanga Rangers), Daniel Sikanyika (Young Mufulira Wanderers) and Tony Silwamba (Kitwe United).
Defenders are Prosper Chiluya (OYDC), Wayne Museba (Kabwe Youth), Benson Chali (Forest Rangers), Njavwa Shula (K- Stars), Edward Chimfwembe (Malaiti Livingstone) and Gift Sikaonga (Young Nchanga Rangers).
Kaunda has given the nod to midfielders Changwe Kalale (Chambeshi Youth), Jasper Masialeti (Mongu Youth), Edwin Chipile (Malaiti Lusaka), Langson Kapumbu (Winford Academy), Siame Musonda (Kafue Celtic), Harry Milanzi Junior (Young Nkwazi), Enock Mwepu (Chambeshi Youth) and Mwpe Chisesa of Airport Warriors.
Strikers are Patson Daka (Nchanga Rangers), John Phiri (K- Stars), Elias Kapembwa (Luanshya United), Mahibo Mwiinga (Kafue Celtic), Kenneth Sakala (Kamwala Secondary School) and Pumulo Simwanga (Chirundu).