Zambia’s Copper Princesses have stepped up preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after completing their first week of pre-tournament international camp in Casablanca, Morocco. The young Zambian national team concluded the week with another intense training session at the Academie de Electriciens de Football as the technical staff continued to fine-tune the squad ahead of the global competition. Head coach Carol Kanyemba and her assistants have maintained a demanding training programme designed to prepare the players for the challenges of facing some of the world’s strongest youth teams. All 21 players summoned for national duty have been fully engaged in the preparations, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad and build team cohesion. The camp marks an important stage in Zambia’s efforts to make a strong impression at the tournament and continue its growing presence in international women’s football.
The Copper Princesses are preparing for a historic third consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, a milestone that reflects Zambia’s continued participation at the highest level of youth women’s football. Competing at three successive editions gives the team an opportunity to build on previous international experience while introducing another generation of talented players to the global stage. The tournament will test the squad’s technical ability, tactical discipline, physical readiness and mental strength. Playing against teams from different footballing backgrounds will also expose the young players to different styles of play and levels of competition. For Zambia, the objective will be to translate the hard work completed during camp into confident performances when the matches begin.
Coach Carol Kanyemba and her technical staff have continued to oversee the team’s training sessions in Casablanca, focusing on preparations for the demanding group-stage schedule. Having all 21 summoned players involved in training gives the coaches a chance to work with the full group as they assess combinations and prepare different tactical options. Training camps before major international tournaments are important because they allow players to develop a shared understanding of their responsibilities on the pitch. They also provide time to improve communication, sharpen passing patterns and work on defensive organisation. As the competition approaches, the technical team will need to ensure that the players understand the match plan and can respond effectively to the different challenges expected in the group stage.
Zambia will begin its Group D campaign against Japan on Sunday, with the opening match expected to provide an early test of the team’s readiness. Japan has a strong reputation for technically organised football, making the fixture an important challenge for the Copper Princesses. Zambia will need to remain disciplined in possession, defend collectively and make effective use of opportunities in the attacking third. A positive start could help build confidence and provide valuable momentum ahead of the remaining group matches. The opening fixture will therefore be a key opportunity for the young Zambian side to demonstrate the quality and preparation developed during its international camp.
The Copper Princesses will face Venezuela three days after their opening match against Japan. The short gap between fixtures means recovery, tactical adjustments and squad management could play important roles in the team’s performance. Zambia’s coaching staff will need to assess the players’ physical condition after the first match and identify areas that require improvement. The encounter against Venezuela will also present another opportunity for the team to collect valuable points in its pursuit of progress from Group D. Maintaining concentration and consistency across the group stage will be essential, as every match can influence a team’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
France will provide Zambia’s final Group D opponent on 24 October, completing a challenging sequence of fixtures against three different international teams. The match could prove significant in determining the final group standings, depending on the results of the opening games. France brings a different competitive challenge, requiring Zambia to remain tactically flexible and adapt to the demands of the contest. The Copper Princesses will need to approach each fixture with the same level of focus rather than relying on the outcome of previous matches. Their ability to manage pressure, make effective decisions and maintain discipline throughout the group stage could prove decisive.
The Casablanca training camp gives the Copper Princesses an important opportunity to prepare away from the distractions of their regular environment and concentrate on the tournament ahead. Working together in camp can help players strengthen relationships, improve communication and build confidence in one another. Intensive sessions also allow the technical staff to identify weaknesses that need attention before competitive action begins. For young players representing their country on the world stage, the experience can provide valuable lessons in professionalism, preparation and responsibility. The challenge now is to ensure that the intensity shown during training carries over into the team’s performances against Japan, Venezuela and France.
Zambia’s participation in a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup also offers an important platform for the continued development of women’s football in the country. International tournaments allow emerging players to measure themselves against some of the best young talents in the world. Strong performances can increase the visibility of Zambian women’s football and inspire younger players who hope to represent the national team in the future. The competition also gives the squad valuable experience that could support the players’ development as they progress through their football careers. While the results will ultimately be decided on the pitch, the opportunity to compete at this level represents a significant stage in the players’ development.
With their first week of international preparations completed, the Copper Princesses will continue working towards their opening Group D fixture against Japan. Carol Kanyemba and her technical staff will aim to ensure that the 21-player squad is physically prepared, tactically organised and mentally ready for the demands of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The upcoming matches against Japan, Venezuela and France will provide a demanding test of Zambia’s ability to compete with established international opponents. Every training session in Casablanca offers another opportunity to strengthen the team’s readiness and build confidence ahead of the tournament. As the countdown continues, the Copper Princesses will be determined to turn their preparations into competitive performances and make Zambia proud on the world stage.