By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA’s quest to defend the COSAFA Women’s Championship takes off today when the Copper Queens face Mozambique in their first Group B match slated for the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Gauteng, South Africa.
After winning the competition last year, the Copper Queens are rated as one of the favourites to win the competition which has been dominated by South Africa.
Today’s date with Mozambique presents a tough test for the Copper Queens squad which is without foreign-based stars in captain Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
Assistant coach Florence Mwila said the Copper Queens are ready to defend the regional title after preparing adequately.
Mwila said the local players who were part of the two international friendly matches against Morocco last weekend in Rabat will help the team in their quest to defend the tittle.
“The team has settled and the local players we had in Morocco had a great experience, great exposure so they are bringing in the experience that will be married with what the local players that didn’t have that exposure,” Mwila said.
Mwila said Zambia was ready for Mozambique who are among the regional giants aiming to topple the Copper Queens as champions of the region.
Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape had earlier named a 23-member squad for the tournament that will run up to October 15.
Goalkeeper Ngambo Musole made her return to the Coper Queens’ setup while a large number of players will be making their debut at the regional tournament.
Unfortunately, the Red Arrows quartet of Mary Wilombe, Mary Mulenga, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Hellen Mubanga were excused as they are set to undergo military training while midfielder Avell Chitundu has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Mwila said the COSAFA presents new players such as Sarah Jere (Zanaco Ladies) and Fridah Kabwe from Zesco Ndola Girls a chance to showcase their talents.
After playing Mozambique, the Copper Queens will meet Angola three days later at Dobsonville Stadium before concluding their group action against Comoros on October 10 at UJ Soweto Stadium.
