All the professional stars summoned by Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle have officially joined camp in Lusaka ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches against Malawi. Hauptle has named a strong 28-member squad for the two matches, which will take place at Woodlands Stadium on February 22 and 25.
The squad features nine foreign-based players and 19 locally based stars, including the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Barbra Banda. A check by Goal Diggers at Woodlands Stadium found the Copper Queens in high spirits as they intensified their training sessions in preparation for the clashes against the Scorchers. The squad is brimming with confidence, with players determined to use the two matches as a vital build-up to upcoming competitive engagements.
Hauptle expressed satisfaction with the players’ commitment and work ethic during training, emphasizing the importance of the friendly matches in fine-tuning tactics and improving team cohesion. “These games will provide a great opportunity to assess our squad depth and tactical flexibility,” she noted.
Among the foreign-based stars, notable names include midfield dynamo Ireen Lungu, lethal forward Racheal Kundananji, and defender Margaret Belemu, who have all been pivotal for their respective clubs. Their experience is expected to bolster the team’s performance and provide leadership on the pitch.
The locally based players are equally eager to impress, with several young talents hoping to cement their places in the national team setup. The competition for starting spots has created an intense but positive atmosphere in training, further motivating the players to perform at their best.
The friendly matches against Malawi will serve as a crucial test for the Copper Queens as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions, including qualifiers for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the matches, hoping to see the Copper Queens deliver strong performances and build momentum ahead of their crucial fixtures. With a mix of experienced internationals and promising homegrown talents, the team is poised to showcase its growing strength on the continental stage.