FAZ Women’s Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba says the Copper Queens will be adequately prepared ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kickoff in Morocco.
Katoba says FAZ will leave no stone unturned to ensure the team gets the best possible preparation before jetting off to Morocco.
Speaking when she addressed the players at the MET Sports Zambia Sports Complex on Wednesday morning, Katoba assured the squad of solid preparations that will give them confidence heading into the tournament.
She urged the players to take the locally organised camp seriously as it marks the start of the entire WAFCON build-up.
“We need to go and get it. So, it all starts from this particular activity of preparation and we are behind you; we are doing everything possible that needs to be done for your preparations to be somewhere; if not 100 percent, at least 90 or 98 percent. We will be with you all the way,” said Katoba.
Katoba further urged the girls to adopt a winning mentality as they head into the tournament under their new motto, “Copper to Gold.”
Meanwhile, acting Deputy FAZ General Secretary Iva Lengwe expressed confidence that the WAFCON preparations lined up will put the team in good shape before the tournament kicks off.
And Copper Queens defender Racheal Nachula has remained positive despite Zambia being drawn in a tough group with Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi and is hopeful of progressing.
Nachula said the team will not allow another defeat at the hands of Nigeria, who eliminated them at the last WAFCON.
She said there’s need for more hard work if the Copper Queens are to overcome the West African side.
“Yes, the group is very tough, but we are ready and looking forward to facing Nigeria. Last time they won against us, but this time we are going to work extra hard and we are going to beat them,” said Nachula.
Nachula also said the blend of experienced players and new call-ups will work to the team’s advantage.
She noted that while senior players bring experience, the new ones have added what she described as “fresh legs.”
Meanwhile, playmaker Mercy Chipasula said she is looking forward to adding another World Cup appearance to her career after featuring at the global stage at Under-17 level.
“It is my target to make it to the World Cup at senior level. To find myself here is because of hard work. I have been at Under-20 and now need to push myself to face bigger teams so that I gain more experience,” said Chipasula.
By FAZ Media
