Zambia Women’s national team goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali believes camping in Morocco before the start of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is a big motivation for the team.
The Copper Queens left for the North Africa country on Wednesday afternoon and are expected to arrive later today.
The Queens are also expected to take on Morocco Women’s national team in a friendly game as part of their preparations something Nali believes will help them get ready for Tunisia, which is in the same group as the Copper Queens.
“It’s a great motivation for us as a team because we need to prepare adequately before facing the teams we have been grouped with. Going for a camp before the actual games in Morocco gives us morale and confidence,” she said.
“I can say it gives us an idea to face Morocco before playing Tunisia in the tournament but we just need to focus and work together as a team so we can achieve our objectives.”
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the Government on Tuesday announced improved winning bonuses for the Copper Queens and the Turkish-based goalminder feels the team is now sufficiently encouraged ahead of the tournament.
The Fatih Vatan Spor Goalkeeper has also urged fans to support the team throughout the tournament.
“The announcement of allowances is a big motivation for us as a team. It’s happening for the first time in Women’s football and I feel every one of us is encouraged and knows what’s ahead of us in Morocco,” she said.
“I will just like to urge everyone to be behind us as we will be playing every game because it’s only their support that will help us play our games and win, Their support matters to us.”
“I feel for me am ready and we are three goalkeepers and we are all important and ready and the one who will train the hardest will get the number one spot,” she added.
Before the AWCON, the team will have a series of international friendlies starting with an entertaining fixture against Morocco set for 18 July at the Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Zambia will be based in Casablanca for the group stages, which will see the Copper Queens face Cameroon, Tunisia, and Togo in Group B.
