Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has urged fans not to lose faith in the team as they prepare to open their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign against hosts Morocco on 5 July.
Speaking when she featured on the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar, Banda said she felt no pressure heading into the tournament despite heightened expectations from fans and the responsibility that comes with being a star performer.
Banda reaffirmed the team’s identity and determination to make the nation proud, saying the players are united and driven by a shared dream.
“To our fans back home in Zambia, [they] should not look down on us. We are still the Copper Queens and we will make you proud. What we need is support from you back home. Your support means a lot to us,” Banda said.
Zambia will face Morocco, Senegal and DR Congo in Group A, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages. Banda emphasised that home support will be key to Zambia’s success.
Banda, who was crowned CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award and became the first African player to be named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 in 2024, believes her international experience has equipped her to lead without fear while keeping the team’s goals front and centre.
“I would say I am not having any pressure because I think at my stage now I have played a lot of games, competitive games at the international level so it’s not something I think as a player, I know how to handle,” Banda said.
The striker emphasized that individual accolades don’t overshadow the collective effort required to succeed at a major tournament like WAFCON.
“Honestly, football is a team sport. I create all those records with my team because I need my players to assist me, I can’t score without my teammates,” she added.
“I am not carrying any pressure on me being the (CAF and BBC) African Player of the Year. That just keeps on motivating me to work hard… and the rest, I think, God is doing it, is working.”
By FAZ Media
After the conviencing losses to South Africa and Malawi 💔 please give us cimwela against Morroco.
The whole world ill be watching your first game at WAFCON BB11. Show us your quality coz we know you & the team have got this.