Banda Relishes Botswana, South Africa Friendlies in Copper Queens Return
Zambia Women’s National Team captain Barbra Banda says the Copper Queens are fully focused as they prepare to take on Botswana in their first match of a three-nation friendly series in South Africa.
The Copper Queens face the Mares tomorrow (Saturday, 31 May) at Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium, before concluding the series with a tussle against hosts South Africa on Tuesday, 3 June.
Banda is delighted to be back with the national team as preparations intensify ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July.
“Honestly, it’s a) good feeling being back with the team. What’s important is that we always appreciate to represent our country and Africa at large,” Banda said. The Copper Queens are using the FIFA international window to test themselves against two familiar and formidable opponents. Botswana, Zambia’s opponents tomorrow, gave reigning champions South Africa a tough test in a 3-2 loss earlier this week.
“Well, I would say a very tight game (against Botswana) because looking at the teams that we are going to play with, every team now has improved, and Botswana is a very good team. So, we are looking forward for the friendly games. It’s a hint for us and a good preparation for us going into the WAFCO,” the record-breaking Orlando Pride forward said.
With both Botswana and South Africa featuring in the tournament, Banda believes the mini-series presents a valuable benchmark for Zambia’s ambitions on the continental stage.
“We are playing Botswana and South Africa, which are all good teams, good players and good quality, so it’s a good three-nations tournament. It always feels great to play with the best.”
And on facing Banyana Banyana, who won the last WAFCON three years ago in Morocco, Banda welcomes the challenge.
“They won the WAFCON, so they are the best. So, I always feel good to play the best because I still want to learn from the best. So, it’s a good game for me.”
Credit: FAZ Media
