Hellen Mubanga leads Copper Queens squad for local camp

Hellen Mubanga has returned to the Zambia Women’s national team set up 539 days after her last appearance.

Mubanga who recently recovered from a long term injury leads coach Bruce Mwape’s squad for a local camp. 

The Zaragoza CFF is the only foreign-based player in Mwape’s squad and will be making her return to the Copper Queens squad after being out for 15 months while recovering in Zambia from a knee injury.

Mwape has announced his 33-member local-based squad to begin preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July – 20 August.

Mwape has also handed call ups to Misozi Musonda of Elite Ladies, Priosn Leopards goalkeeper Loveness Tonge, Play It Forward’s Marjory Mahongo Luwaya and Zanaco Ladies’ Regina Chanda. 

Regulars Evarine Susan Katongo, Lushomo Mweemba, Xiomara Mapepa, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Natasha Nanyangwe have all made the cut. 

It will be the first Copper Queens camp of the year after ending 2022 on a high by playing two high-profile international friendly matches against Colombia in November.

Copper Queens are expected to play at least one International friendly match during the FIFA international window next month.

The Copper Queens residential camp will run from 22-28 January. 

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (INDENI Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Police Doves), Loveness Tonge (Prison Leopards)

DEFENDERS

Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu, Misozi Musonda (both Elite Ladies), Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Esther Banda (BUSA), Sandra Mushota (Nchanga Queens), Judith Soko (YASA), Jackline Nkole (INDENI Roses)

MIDFIELDERS

Norin Betani (INDENI Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Mary Wilombe, Prisca Chilufya, Susan Banda, Mary Mambwe (All Red Arrows), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (INDENI Roses)

STRIKERS

Xiomara Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Natasha Nanyangwe, Jessy Zulu (both Green Buffaloes), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Eneless  Phiri (Nkwazi Queens), Regina Chanda (ZANACO Ladies), Marjory Mahongo Luwaya (Play It Forward), Square Maiwase (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Hellen Mubanga (Zaragoza-Spain)