Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club will face a stern test this afternoon as they take on Eswatini Champions, Young Buffaloes in their opening game of the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Champions League Zonal qualifiers.
Buffaloes want to start their campaign with a bang by sending a message with a convincing win against the Eswatini outfit.
Young Buffaloes are not a push over as they are coming off a remarkable domestic season in which they won all 24 league games, scoring 221 goals without conceding any.
The Charles Haalubono tutored side have a number of Copper Queens players in their ranks namely Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Anita Mulenga, Agness Musesa, Irene Lungu and Natasha Nanyangwe who are expected to be influential in how the team will fair in Durban.
Striker Natasha Nanyangwe says the team is ready for the match. The former Green Eagles forward is confident the team will do well as they aim to win the tournament.
“Yes, as a team we are very ready for the game. The morale is very high. The first game is very important and we want to win the game. Our target is to reach the final and possibly win the tournament,” she said.
“Being part of the Copper Queens has given me a bit of experience hence I will try my best to perform with what I learned on that side.”
Meanwhile Assistant Coach Beauty Mwamba believes the team is in good shape ahead of their first game.
“The team is ready so far, They have put in their best in training. It was unfortunate that Lubasi got injured but we have replacements who will handle the midfield and I can say everyone is in good shape so the team is okay,” she said.
Aisha Mbwana is expected to start in goal with Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Martha Tembo and Anita Mulenga likely to make up the back four.
Haalubono also has options in Patricia Lampi, Diana Banda and the versatile Maylan Mulenga.
The female Computer Irene Lungu is expected to pull the strings in midfield supported by skipper Joana Benaya.
Natasha and Theresa Chewe are expected to lead the hunt for goals.
Youngster Lucy Kajiya could also be called upon upfront together with onloan forward from Mufulira Wanderers Queens Regina Kayambona.
The Military derby between Young Buffaloes and the Zambian Champions will take place at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium at 15:30.
The match will be televised live on SuperSport, and will be streamed live on SABC Sport OTT, FIFA+ and COSAFA.TV.
