Zambia women’s national team captain Barbara Banda has urged soccer fans to be patient with the Copper Queens as they continue to build towards becoming a powerhouse in African football.
The Copper Queens will face Malawi tomorrow at the Reiz Arena in the first of two international friendlies between the two sides to be played in Lusaka.
Speaking at a pre-match press briefing today, the US-based Orlando Pride star said there are a number of new inclusions in the squad as new coach Nora Häuptle aims to build a formidable side.
“I know people are expecting a lot from us, but you have to know this team will always be there, and we are trying to build, so you will see a lot of new faces. We are trying to build a powerhouse,” Banda said.
Banda said the Copper Queens are taking the two friendlies against the Scorchers of Malawi with the utmost seriousness, as they are important in their preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament starting in July 2025.
“We all know at the stage we are, it is the preparation for the WAFCON, where we have set goals as a team to achieve something big,” she said.
The reigning CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year says the Copper Queens will not underrate the Malawians, who also have quality players in their ranks, such as the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.
“The team is well, and the morale is very high. Everyone is looking forward to tomorrow’s game. We are not taking it lightly because we know Malawi also has good players, so it will be a tough game,” Banda said.
The Copper Queens take on Malawi at the Reiz Arena in Lusaka at 15:00 hours tomorrow, while the second friendly match will be played on Tuesday at the same venue
