Zambia’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) national team has arrived in Luanda, Angola, ahead of the 2026 International Mixed Martial Arts Africa Championships, with head coach Ben Bush expressing strong confidence that the squad is ready to compete for top honors across multiple categories.

Speaking when the team touched down in Angola, Coach Bush said the focus of the build-up had been on total readiness across all aspects of mixed martial arts.

“We have worked on our strengths and weaknesses in all areas of MMA wrestling, striking, submissions, everything,” he said.

He added that the team enters the competition with high confidence and belief in a historic performance, noting that Zambia could challenge strongly on the medals table depending on competitive matchups.

Coach Bush said the presence of a young athlete like Tryson Mubanga, a 12-year-old set to compete in the youth category and open Zambia’s campaign on the first day of competition, reflected the success of long-term grassroots programmes.

“It means everything. It is vindication for all the hard work and effort that has gone into our youth development and vulnerable youth programmes. It shows we are bearing fruit,” he said.

The tournament, which is being hosted in Angola, will take place from April 13 to 19, 2026.