By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Copper Princesses goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale insists Zambia will use their 3-0 defeat by China as a learning experience as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Zambia suffered the defeat in an international friendly on 9 October, but Mutale believes the encounter provided valuable lessons for the young side ahead of the tournament, which runs from 17 October to 7 November.
The goalkeeper is adamant that the result will not dent the team’s confidence, pointing to their achievements against African opposition as motivation to test themselves against the world’s best.
“This friendly was more like a learning moment to us because, as you can see, we conquered all the African teams, so we are yet to conquer the world. We will not feel inferior about ourselves,” she said.
Mutale says the Copper Princesses must now focus on correcting the mistakes exposed against China, stressing that the players need to translate their coaches’ instructions into improved performances on the pitch.
“We are just going to work hard because yesterday’s friendly was more like a learning phase to us, and we will work on the mistakes that we made so that the mistakes should be less.
“It will not be good if the coaches are teaching us and we are making the same mistakes over and over,” she added.
Japan reunion offers Zambia another test
Zambia have been drawn in Group D alongside Japan, France and Venezuela, presenting a demanding challenge for the Copper Princesses on their return to the global stage.
Mutale acknowledges the difficulty of the group but is particularly eager to face Japan, whom Zambia have met twice before.
The goalkeeper believes their previous encounters could give the Copper Princesses valuable insight into the Japanese side’s playing style as they target a positive start to their campaign.
“It is not an easy group for us, looking at last year’s statistics. And looking at how Japan plays, we have played Japan for two consecutive times, and this will be the third time playing them.
“We are looking forward to beating them because we now know their style of play,” she said.
The opening fixture against Japan on 18 October will offer Zambia an early opportunity to measure their progress against one of the tournament’s opponents before they face Venezuela on 21 October and France on 24 October.
Mutale ready to seize World Cup opportunity
For Mutale, the tournament represents a significant personal milestone after she secured a place in the final squad despite not featuring during the qualifying campaign.
Having previously attended training camps with the team, the young goalkeeper admitted she had not expected to make the travelling squad but is determined to make herself available whenever called upon.
“I have been camping with them, but this is my first time making it to the final squad that travels to the World Cup.
“I am ready to help the team whenever they need me, and I am ready to deliver in every circumstance. I will not be afraid,” she said.
Mutale reiterated that her selection had come as a surprise, given that she had not played in the qualifiers.
“I was not expecting myself to find myself in the team because I did not play the qualifiers, but I made it to the final list of the World Cup,” she added.
The goalkeeper is also aware of the competition for places between the posts, insisting she is prepared to work hard and make the most of any opportunity that comes her way.
“The competition in the goalkeeping department is very high, but I am ready to give my best when the team needs me,” Mutale said.
Goalkeeper calls for national support
As the Copper Princesses prepare to represent Zambia on the world stage, Mutale has called on football supporters to rally behind the team as they seek to make their mark in Morocco.
“We are just asking for full support from them, and we will deliver and dominate as we play the games,” she said.
She also had a message for aspiring young footballers, urging them to remain patient, believe in their opportunities and continue working towards their ambitions.
“My advice to my fellow young players is that you just need to believe in time and chance and keep working hard,” she said.
The Copper Princesses will open their Group D campaign against Japan on 18 October before taking on Venezuela and France as they seek to make a strong impression at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
