Zambia Under 17 Women’s National Team coach Carol Kanyemba has named a 35 member provisional squad as the Copper Princesses prepare for next month’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The squad selection marks another important stage in Zambia’s preparations for a tournament that will bring together some of the best young women’s football teams in the world. Kanyemba’s team will enter a long haul training camp this weekend as the technical bench begins the final stages of preparation for the global competition. The camp will eventually lead into the pre tournament international camp before the team travels for the World Cup. Zambia will be aiming to make another strong impression after securing qualification for the tournament for a third consecutive edition.
The Football Association of Zambia has already provided the Copper Princesses with regular weekly camps as part of the preparations for the tournament. Those camps gave Kanyemba and her technical team an opportunity to assess players from different parts of the country and identify young talent capable of competing at international level. The extended scouting and assessment process has now resulted in a provisional group of 35 players who will compete for places in the final World Cup squad. The long haul camp will give the coaching staff additional time to assess the players in a competitive training environment. It will also allow the team to work on tactical organisation, fitness, combinations and match preparation ahead of the tournament.
Among the players included in the provisional squad are Taonga Mubanga, Esther Ngabwe, Grace Phiri and Beatrice Njobvu, who were part of Zambia’s previous FIFA World Cup campaign in Morocco. Their experience at the highest level of youth international football could provide valuable knowledge within a squad that includes a mixture of returning players and emerging talent. Having players who have already experienced the demands of a World Cup can also help younger members of the squad understand the intensity and expectations associated with the competition. However, their inclusion in the provisional squad does not automatically guarantee a place in the final team. Kanyemba and her technical staff will have the opportunity to assess every player before making the final selection.
Zambia will compete among the five African representatives at the 24 team FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The Copper Princesses have been drawn in Group D alongside Japan, France and Venezuela, giving them a challenging group stage schedule. Zambia will begin its campaign against Japan on 18 October before facing Venezuela three days later. The team will then conclude its group stage campaign against France on Independence Day, adding another significant occasion to what promises to be an important tournament for the young players.
The group stage will require Zambia to maintain concentration throughout each match because every result will be important in determining the team’s progress in the competition. Japan, Venezuela and France will each present different challenges and will require the Copper Princesses to be well prepared tactically and physically. The coaching staff will therefore have to use the preparation period to build a team capable of adapting to different opponents. The players will also need to develop strong communication and understanding across the different areas of the pitch. The provisional squad gives Kanyemba an opportunity to work with a broad group of players before selecting the final team for the tournament.
Kanyemba has already created a significant record with the Copper Princesses after guiding Zambia to three consecutive FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Qualifying for three successive editions reflects the consistency that Zambia has achieved at this level of women’s football. It also highlights the continued development of young female footballers across the country and the importance of regular national team programmes. The current preparations give another group of players an opportunity to gain international experience and represent Zambia on a global stage. For the coaching staff, the challenge now is to turn that consistency in qualification into a competitive tournament campaign.
The goalkeeping department includes Mary Nyangu of Yasa Queens, Bukata Kakumbi of Police Doves Queens, Winifridah Mutale of Elite Ladies, Descent Mbewe of National Assembly and Carol Mweetwa of Barts Queens. The defenders named are Josephine Change of Nchanga Rangers Queens, Tabitha Nyirenda of ZedPro Academy, Esther Ngabwe, Gift Mazimba and Faith Kaunda of Elite Ladies, Susan Mulungwa of Green Eagles, Chricencia Phiri of Red Arrows, Ethel Njobvu of Young Green Buffaloes, Salome Nalwimba of Sporting Doves, Beauty Chibuye of Lunchu Queens, Luswepo Mulwanda of Luyando Sporting and Elizabeth Nkhoma of Kummawa Stars. The selection features players from several clubs and academies, reflecting the wide range of teams contributing to Zambia’s women’s football development. The competition for places will continue during the extended camp before the final squad is confirmed.
The midfield group includes Natasha Kasema of Green Buffaloes, Taonga Mubanga and Veronica Phiri of Yasa Queens, Gift Ng’uni and Fridah Ndashe of Power Dynamos, Precious Mwewa and Dorcas Mulosha of Candice Girls Academy, Lillian Mwenda, Agnes Mwaka and Faith Kapilingo of Elite Ladies, Nang’andu Hakayobe of Barts Queens and Blessings Mutale of Young Green Buffaloes. The midfield will be an important area for Zambia as the team prepares to face opponents with different playing styles. Players in this position will be expected to contribute to ball retention, build-up play, defensive work and the creation of attacking opportunities. The extended training period should allow the technical team to test different combinations and establish the midfield structure they believe can best serve the team. Competition among the midfielders is also likely to be strong as players fight for positions in the final squad.
The attacking options include Grace Phiri of Indeni Roses, Prodia Mwiinga of Choma Warriors, Phidah Muzuwa of Elite Ladies, Elizabeth Mofya of Green Buffaloes, Beatrice Njobvu of Red Arrows and Beatrice Chipumpula of Aguila Stars. Zambia will need attacking players who can create opportunities and convert chances when the team faces Japan, Venezuela and France. The presence of different attacking options gives the coaching staff room to test various combinations during the preparation period. Grace Phiri and Beatrice Njobvu also bring previous World Cup experience to the provisional group after being involved in the last tournament. Their experience could become useful as the squad prepares for another demanding international campaign.
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will run from 17 October to 7 November, giving the Copper Princesses a clear target as they enter the final stages of their preparations. The long haul camp will be particularly important because it gives the technical team more time to work with the players before the competition begins. Training sessions can be used to improve tactical understanding while friendly matches and other preparation activities can help the players adjust to the demands of international football. The coaching staff will also have to manage the players carefully as they compete for positions while maintaining the overall balance of the squad. Every stage of the preparation will contribute to the final team that travels to Morocco.
With Zambia preparing for its third consecutive FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup under Kanyemba, attention will now turn to the players who can secure places in the final squad. The 35 member provisional group provides the foundation for the next phase of preparations while giving the coaching staff an opportunity to make detailed assessments. Zambia’s opening match against Japan on 18 October will provide the first major test of the campaign before the team faces Venezuela and France in Group D. The Copper Princesses will enter the tournament carrying the experience of previous World Cup appearances while also introducing new players to the international stage. As preparations continue, the focus will remain on building a disciplined and competitive squad capable of representing Zambia with confidence in Morocco.