Zambia Women’s national team midfield magician, Evarine Susan Katongo has been fantastic for Copper Queens at the ongoing 2022 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations drawing comparisons with World football stars.
The 19-year-old has been likened to World Cup winner Ngolo Kanté and three-time UEFA Champions League winner Sergio Busquets Burgos.
The Luyando Foundation product however prefers to be called Chisamba after her idol and 2012 AFCON winner, Chisamba Lungu who has shown her unwavering support.
“I know people are calling me names, Ngolo Kante, Sergio Busquets, and all that. I’m welcoming those names, it’s because of the performance that’s why they are comparing me to those players,” she said.
“But I would prefer people calling me Chisamba (Lungu). I think where he is very proud. My message to him is to keep supporting me because we normally talk. Am sure he is cheering for me.”
“What I can tell the fans is that they should continue supporting us here as a team because their support is giving us the courage to even play against bigger teams. The game against Senegal was not easy but the support from the fans back home and the Zambians in Morocco it’s is really giving us motivation and courage. They should continue and even us we will keep working hard to put a smile on their faces,” she added.
The Copper Queens have already made history by qualifying for the 2023 Australia and New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup and also setting up a semifinal clash with neighbors South Africa.
Katongo believes the match against South Africa will be tough but she is confident the team will put in a good shift and go for the win.
“The game against South Africa will not be easy. It will be tough because both of us want to go to the final. We just have to take it seriously put in a lot of effort and probably win the game,” she said.
“That friendly match win, Yes it is giving us motivation, but they don’t have some of their keys player, it won’t be easy but we work extra hard.
“It’s really important for us to get to the final because it will lift the name of our country. We just have to win and go to the final, It is a big motivation and a big achievement if we manage to go to the final.
“To me, it’s a great achievement, because being part of this team is a great thing for me to grow my career and motivation to continue working hard.”
Katongo has also revealed that motivation and encouragement from senior players like Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda have helped to settle into the team and remove the fear of playing on the big stage.
“What gives me motivation is that when we started training back home the senior players Barbra Banda, and Grace Chanda gave me the courage and showed me how important I am to the team. They gave me some encouragement to remove that fear and play my normal game as Evarine Susan Katongo. I gained some experience because those are big players. I also watch other players like Jane (Refiloe) of South Africa that really gives me the courage and confidence to perform well,” she said.
“As players, one of the things we were discussing is qualifying to the World Cup and then winning the Cup. Back home I know the people are expecting a lot from us. They want us to win the WAFCON so even us that’s our target together with the technical bench. We want to win the Cup and take it back home.”
Zambia will face Banyana Banyana in a semifinal clash on Monday for a place in the final.
The ball speaks a language when it touches Kati’s foot. 90 minutes 100% focuses. Like a young Charles Musonda!
I love this girl