Barbra Banda has stressed that Zambia must significantly raise their level of preparation if they are to secure a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, following the Copper Queens’ mixed showing at the recent FIFA Series.
Zambia concluded the invitational tournament with a 1-1 draw against South Korea, having earlier suffered heavy defeats to Canada and hosts Brazil. Despite the results, Banda believes the experience could prove vital ahead of a decisive continental campaign.
“For us to go back to the World Cup, it will take a lot because we need to build our team very well,” Banda said. “We need to prepare adequately going into the WAFCON because those are the games that are going to determine if we’re going to qualify.”
The Zambia women’s national football team are targeting qualification through the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the top four teams will book their place at the next global showpiece in Brazil.
Banda pointed to preparation as the key gap between Zambia and the elite sides they faced during the tournament.
“We just need good preparations,” she added. “We need an early camp, proper team organisation and everything. The team is there — we have quality players — all we need is good preparation.”
The striker, who scored both of Zambia’s goals during the tournament, also reflected on the value of competing against top-ranked opposition.
“The quality of games that we played are very good for us because these are high-profile teams that we are supposed to learn from,” she said. “From my experience, I’ve learned from each of the teams we’ve faced.”
Zambia showed signs of improvement in their final match, earning a draw against South Korea and demonstrating greater defensive discipline compared to earlier fixtures.
“Not the result we wanted, but I think we’ve done well,” Banda noted. “We dominated the game and just need to concentrate more in key moments.”
With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations looming, Banda has called for unity and continued support from fans as Zambia aim to build towards another historic World Cup appearance.
“To the fans, please continue supporting us,” she said. “We’ll keep working hard and surely get good results.”
