Groups Announced For Croatia U15s Football Tournament

The groups for the under-15s Eight-Nation Vlatko Markovic Invitational Tournament in Croatia have been announced, with first time contestants Zambia facing off against Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and North Macedonia in Group B. 

Group A, meanwhile, consists of hosts Croatia, Qatar, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

The tournament will run from 21 - 28 September, with Zambia’s first game against Bosnia & Herzegovina scheduled for 23 September, followed by a fixture against Romania on 25 September. 

Playoffs for the bottom two classifications of the tournament will be played on September 27, while group runners up will play for Bronze. The winners of both groups will naturally meet in the final. 

Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has been carefully overseeing the selection of the U15s side, working with coaches in Lusaka as well as the provinces to identify the best young footballing talent in Zambia. 

Speaking in advance of the competition last week, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said the competition demonstrated Zambia’s commitment to developing a new generation of young players.

“Through our partnership with the Croatian Football Association we were able to draw this invitation which will be helpful to our young players in grooming them for future high pressure engagements. Our partners are also staking some coach education programs that we have received with both hands,” he said. 

All this contributes towards the FAZ’s dream of Zambia competing at two World Cups and five Africa Cups in ten years’ time. 

Zambia’s U15 squad