Police Dove Queens FC prolific goal poacher Ritah Kaoma Mwila has received her maiden Senior Women’s National Team call-up ahead of the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship slated for Johannesburg, South Africa from 4-15 October, 2023.
Mwila scored 14 goals last season for Doves and she has continued with her exception for this season which has seen her scoring two goals in two games against The Elite Ladies and ZANACO Ladies for The Police sponsored side based in Solwezi, North-Western Province.
Mwila will be hoping to replicate her club form at the National level as she has made Coach Bruce Mwape’s cut ahead of the COSAFA Championship where the Copper Queens will be hoping to defend the trophy they won for the first time in the tournament’s history last year.
Mwila’s call-up comes barely 48 hours after 4 of her teammates from Doves were also called up at the Zambia Women’s Under-20 National Team that is currently in camp preparing for the upcoming Colombia 2023 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier against DR Congo set for 7th October, 2023 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The four players with the U-20 include goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte, defender Suwilanji Lukundo, defensive midfielder Mutinta Haatembo and Striker Eunice Mutonyi.
Zambia will open their title COSAFA Defence with a tie against Mozambique on October 5 at Lucas Moripe Stadium before taking on Angola three days later at Dobsonville Stadium.
The last group match will see Zambia locking horns with Comoros on 10 October at UJ Stadium.
Three Groups of Four teams will compete at this year’s competition with top teams plus second best-placed side qualifying to the semi-finals with the winners in those ties booking a spot in the final.
By Moses Pedro Mwanza
