Sichone has replaced Avram Grant as coach after a poor World Cup qualifying campaign and wants to start on a winning note when his side take on Bafana Bafana in Gqeberha.
Both teams are using the game as a warm-up ahead of the Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21.
“Of course, we are expecting a tough game against South Africa, and we're not just going there to go and play. We are taking it so seriously because we want to win the game,” said the new coach
“Because South Africa qualified for the World Cup, it's a good test for us. I am treating it like a cup final.”
Sichone said he had not yet settled on his selection for the tournament in Morocco.
“The door is still open. I mean, players who are doing well in the local league still stand the chances. We are trying to balance the team with the old players, and new ones.
“As long as they are Zambians, like I said, the door is open for everyone. All we want is guys who are ready to die for the country, who are ready to show their talent.”
Sichone played in the Bundesliga and went to three Cup of Nations finals as a player but this is a first major coaching appointment.
“I've been in football for quite a long time, of course, you know, coming as a former football player, and then going into coaching. I think the most important thing is I'm grateful to have this opportunity, and, yeah, I think it's not just a matter of proving a point or what here, I know that I'm representing the whole entire 20 million people of Zambia. Definitely, otherwise, I would have not been here.”
He said he understood there were high expectations.
“People are looking for results, but one thing we shouldn't be forgetting is we've been having upside down situations. Of course, we will try our level best to make sure we play as well as we can,” he told reporters.
Zambia have called up a group of 41 players, which they will trim later this week before they arrive in South Africa but there is again no place in the squad for Sekhukhune United’s goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, who was in the starting line-up for Zambia’s World Cup qualifier in September but then summarily dropped for last month’s final two Group E fixtures at Tanzania and home to Niger, as well as Siwelele winger Gamphani Lungu, who was last in the Zambia squad in mid-2024.
The 36-year-old defender Stopilla Sunzu, who was a member of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012, returns to the squad for the first time in a year. He plays in China, where his club Changchun Yatai have finished bottom of the standings.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Mathews Banda (Nkana), Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Obinno Chisala (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), David Hamansenya (Leganes, Spain), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Aaron Musonda (Mutondo Stars), Lubambo Musonda (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic), Stoppilla Sunzu (Changchun Yatai, China)
Midfielders: Humphrey Bweembya (Kabwe Warriors), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Given Kalusa (FC Muza), Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Solomon Mpasela (FC Muza), Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Gift Siame (Leganes, Spain), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
Forwards: Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Elia Mandanji (Zanaco), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat, Israel), Kingston Mutandwa (SV Reid, Austria), Rickson Ngambi (FC Muza), Andrew Phiri (Singinda Black Stars, Tanzania), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia).