A TEAM of five Zambian athletes left yesterday to defend the Confederation African Athletics Association (CAAA) championships scheduled to take place this Saturday in Lesotho.

Athletes who left include 5,000 metres specialist Obed Mutanya, Venry Hamalila, Richard Bwalya, Brian Musonda, Teddy Chigabwa and were led by assistant national coach Cassius Nyendwa.

Athletics national coach Enock Mulenga said he expected the Zambian team to emerge tops in the team event.

"We are defending champions in team event and we have to defend our title, I am not saying we are not going to do well in the individual category but I know that the team we have is the best,"

"Our team will mint gold or at least two or three athletes will come with gold," Mulenga said.

Mulenga said the Zambian team will only participate in the senior and junior men's category following the withdrawal of Mwansa Chanda from the women's category who could not be released by her employers, Zambia Army due to official duties.

Meanwhile Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) general secretary Yonah Mwale said the association has set March 30 as the date for the annual general meeting (AGM) in Kabwe.

Mwale urged it's affiliates to make a success of the meeting where elections will also be held.

He said the current term of the executive committee ends this March according to the ZAAA constitution.

Mwale said no official shall hold two posts once elected into office unless by special arrangement.