Zambia Women national team captain Barbra Banda has called for proper preparations ahead of the Tokyo Olympics which kicks off in three months in Japan.
Banda who was speaking after the Copper Queens disappointing 3-1 loss to South Africa on Saturday believes the team did not camp for a good time to be ready for the match.
Banda felt the team did well in the first half-hour but lacked concentration. She was also quick to say that the team will work on the mistakes they made in the Banyana Banyana encounter after returning home as they continue to get ready for the Olympics.
“We expected a crucial game against South Africa, we contained them in the first 40 minutes, We just lacked concentration at the back, We had a good game against South Africa,” she said.
” Looking at the time we were in camp (about four days), it’s not enough for the girls but I think we still have enough time to prepare adequately as a team.”
“We expect tough teams at the Olympics hence we have to work hard. Am sure the coach has seen one or two areas which we need to work on so as we go back we will go and work on our mistakes,” she added.
Banda feels the Copper Queens have a chance to show the world what they are made of at the Olympics.
On a personal level, she is aiming to go very far and believes maintaining her discipline and working hard will be key.
” I have a big dream, I just have to keep my discipline, focus, and continue being a hard worker. I see myself going very far,” she said.
“We have a chance to show what we capable of doing at the Olympics. I think we have to have better preparations to be ready for the Olympics, like playing better teams.”
The Copper Queens have now shifted their attention to yet another friendly match against the Harambee starlets of Kenya on 24th April 2021 in Lusaka.
Copper Queens made history last year by qualifying for their first-ever Olympics and Coach Bruce Mwape is using these two friendly matches as part of the preparations for the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be hosted by Japan from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
The coach needs to build on the same team that won the Olympic ticket, new players are welcome but should be included in places where the team lacks…
Its Barbara not Barbra please!