Zambia Women’s National Team midfielder Evarine Susan Katongo says the team is in New Zealand to compete and not just add numbers.
The Copper Queens midfield ace is aware of the expectations back home especially following that big international friendly win over giants and two time world Champions, Germany.
The Copper Queens have set up camp in Hamilton and are staying at the Novotel Hamilton Tainui in the heart of Hamilton where they will play two of the three group matches against Japan on 22 July and Costa Rica on 31 July.
The team has been training at the Beetham Park in the cold weather and Katongo feels the team has time to adapt to the Hamilton chilly conditions.
“We trained very well despite the weather, it’s different from Germany but we have a number of days to adapt to the weather,” she said.
“We have a few days left before the World Cup kicks off and people back home are expecting a lot from us after the win over Germany. We can assure them that we will work hard, and put up a good fight. We are here to compete and not just add numbers. We want to go far.”
“I think for us young players who are part of the team we are giving motivation to other young girls out there, I am sure they are working hard so that they can also find themselves here,” she added.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ kicks off on Thursday, 20 July with New Zealand facing 1995 winners Norway at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. The action will continue in Australia on the same day, with Australia facing Women’s World Cup debutantes Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney/Wangal.
Tickets for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches are on sale now via fifa.com/tickets, while fans that want to take their tournament experience ‘above and beyond’ can access ticket-inclusive hospitality packages at fifa.com/hospitality.
