Barbra Banda dreaming of a fantastic World Cup experience 

Copper Queens Skipper Barbra Banda says the team has set its sights on progressing from the group stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Banda says the team wants to do well and are dreaming of maybe going all the way to the final.

Banda is one of the nine players that were part of the 2014 U-17 National Team that played at the Junior Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica but expects the senior World Cup to be an even tougher assignment. 

“Playing at the World Cup means a lot to me, I was last at the World Cup with the U17 and for the senior team this is my first time so I need to have a good experience and it’s a dream come true so I need to showcase my talent there,” Banda said. 

“We have set a target of progressing to the next round and do well there and maybe go all the way to the finals.”

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The Copper Queens will take on Germany tomorrow in their final international friendly match before the global showpiece. 

Banda believes the team has made significant improvements from their last two games and the Germany match provides an opportunity for the players to test themselves against a top opponent. 

“We are really working hard to improve in each and every game that we are playing. It won’t be an easy game on Friday but we just have to be focused and determined. Germany is a very good team and I think they will give us a good run; we will pick up lessons and improve on those areas,” Banda said.

The Copper Queens will play Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly on Friday at the Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer. Kick off will be 20h30.

Friday’s pre-World Cup fixture against Germany in Furth is Zambia’s last of a three-series European Friendlies before they play Japan in the opening Group C match at the World Cup on 22 July. 

The Copper Queens also have Spain and Costa Rica in the group.