Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team coach Florence Mwila says the presence of players with Under-17 World Cup experience has boosted belief and motivation in the squad as they chase a historic first FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup appearance.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s third-round, first-leg qualifier away to Uganda, Mwila said the blend of Under-17 graduates and players with senior national team exposure has raised standards within the camp.
“It means some of them would have played Under-17 World Cup and are part of the Under-20 qualifying process. So it is motivational for both us as technical and the team and players as well,” Mwila said.
The coach believes the opportunity to make history is a powerful driving force for her side, but admits it also comes with pressure.
“The motivation is being the first to do it. The pressure is that everyone is looking at the team that it has to qualify to the World Cup. So there is pressure and there is also motivation in it,” she said.
Mwila stressed the importance of managing expectations, particularly for players stepping up from the Under-17 level.
“So we just need to know how to manage it. We are also encouraging the players that they are the ones that are going to make history because they are the ones that will be the first ones to qualify at this age group, especially those that are coming from Under-17,” she added.
Zambia begin the tie away from home in Kampala, a factor Mwila acknowledges could present challenges.
“I know that starting away can be a bit challenging because they have the 12th player in the home ground. But we just need to psych our players psychologically that they need to be prepared playing against the 12th player,” she said.
The immediate objective, she says, is to secure a positive result ahead of the return leg.
“Our strategy is just to psych the players to concentrate and we know what our aim is and what our target is for.”
The Young Copper Queens face Uganda over two legs in the penultimate round of qualifiers as they pursue a maiden appearance at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
