Copper Queens striker Racheal Kundananji has stated that the upcoming 3-Nations Tournament will serve as a key platform for Zambia to build a strong squad for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Kundananji emphasized that the tournament offers coaches the chance to assess both new and returning players. She said it is critical for evaluating fitness levels, team cohesion, and readiness ahead of the continental competition.
“This tournament is important because it will be used to check every player and see how ready we are for the team. It will help us make a strong squad for WAFCON,” Kundananji said. She added that younger players from junior national teams and returning players will have the opportunity to compete for positions, pushing everyone to perform at their best.
Kundananji also highlighted the importance of team bonding. She said the tournament will help build unity and understanding among players, which is crucial for success in WAFCON.
The striker urged new squad members to provide strong competition to established players, ensuring coaches have a range of options when finalizing the WAFCON squad.
Zambia faces tough competition from Malawi, the host nation, in the 3-Nations Tournament. Kundananji warned that even though the matches are friendly, both teams are using the tournament to prepare seriously for WAFCON. “Our opponents are not pushovers, so we should focus. This is the time to pull up our socks and do our best,” she said.
The tournament features Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, with both Zambia and Malawi already qualified for WAFCON.
Coach Nora Hauptle has named a 26-member squad for the tournament. The squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Midfielders: Susan Banda (Cekemekoy-Turkey), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Forwards: Regina Chanda (Zanaco), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Mupopo Kabange (Henan WFC-China)
The Copper Queens will use the tournament to fine-tune their tactics, evaluate new talent, and strengthen team cohesion, with the ultimate goal of competing for glory at WAFCON next year.