Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda will miss this month’s two International Friendly matches against Colombia.
Banda will miss the tournament due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in China, The Football Association of Zambia, (FAZ) has confirmed.
“Skipper Barbra Banda is unavailable for the November FIFA Window following Covid-19 restrictions in China that demand prolonged quarantine.
Shanghai Shengli had allowed Banda to be part of the WAFCON (although she did not play) and Cosafa tournaments before returning to her base.”
Banda will however be available for subsequent preparatory matches as the Copper Queens who are in Group C alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica step up preparations for the biggest sporting event in the women’s game.
Meanwhile, Head coach Bruce Mwape has named a 32-member provisional squad for the two international friendly matches against Colombia on November 12 and 15 in Cali.
Mwape has named six foreign based players including Spanish based trio Rachael Nachula, Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda.
Others are Margaret Belemu, Misozi Zulu and Hazel Nali who all ply their trade in the Turksih women topflight.
The Cosafa champions will be entering residential camp this weekend after players feature for their respective clubs in the Zambian leagues.
Foreign based players will join directly in Cali where Zambia will be heightening its preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia/New Zealand.
FULL PROVISIONAL LIST
(GOALKEEPERS)
Leticia Lungu (Zesco Girls), Catherine Musonda (Indeni Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Spor Kalubu-Turkey), Agness Banda (National Assembly)
(DEFENDERS)
Esther Banda (BUSA), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Vast Phiri (Zesco Girls), Bertha Imponene (Police Doves), Margaret Belemu (Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Judith Soko (Yasa Girls), Elizabeth Nachivula, Mary Mulenga (both Red Arrows)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Evarine Katongo (ZISD), Ireene Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Susan Banda, Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (all Red Arrows), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Girls), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Eneless Phiri (Police Doves), Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spor), Siomala Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Grace Chanda (Madrid CFF-Spain)
(STRIKERS)
Ochumba Oseke Lubandji (Red Arrows), Prisca Chilufya (Red Arrows), Rachael Nachula (Zaragoza CFF-Spain), Rachael Kundananji (Madrid CFF-Spain)
Have visas been secured?
[…] team will however be without skipper Barbra Banda who miss the two games due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in […]