Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has called on Zambian football fans to turn up in large numbers for the upcoming Four Nations Tournament, describing it as the team’s final opportunity to play in front of home supporters before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking after Wednesday’s training session in Ndola, the Orlando Pride striker said the tournament will play a crucial role in Zambia’s preparations for the continental showpiece set for Morocco later this year.
“We Are Expecting Tough Games”
Banda believes the competition will provide the Copper Queens with the perfect test ahead of WAFCON, especially with fellow WAFCON-bound side Kenya among the participating teams.
“Honestly, we are expecting good games during this Four Nations Tournament because this time around there are no push-over teams in the game,” Banda said.
“Looking at Kenya, they are also going to the WAFCON, so we expect tough games.”
The Copper Queens will open their campaign against Kenya at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, while Zimbabwe face Lesotho in the tournament’s opening fixture.
Message to the Fans
The Copper Queens skipper urged supporters in Ndola and across the country to fill the stadium and rally behind the national team.
According to Banda, the tournament represents the final stage of preparations before Zambia travels to Morocco.
“Our aim is to go hard and be determined throughout the tournament and get the best results.”
“We all know that our fans expect a lot, especially here in the city of Ndola.”
“So, fans, we ask you to come in numbers to this beautiful stadium. This will be our last preparations when we are going to the WAFCON. Come all, come in numbers and witness the good game that we are going to give you.”
Banda Credits Hard Work for Impressive Form
The Copper Queens captain heads into the tournament in outstanding form after scoring 11 goals in 10 matches for Orlando Pride.
Banda attributed her success to hard work, determination and setting clear personal goals.
“It is just the hard work and the aim that I have put for myself, where I want to see myself in the next generation.”
“It is just hard work and determination at the end of the day.”
Her performances continue to make her one of Africa’s most influential players ahead of WAFCON.
World Cup Qualification the Ultimate Goal
Beyond success at the continental tournament, Banda revealed that Zambia’s primary objective is securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams at WAFCON will automatically qualify for the global tournament.
“We know it is going to be hard. This is why we are trying everything possible to have good preparations because we know how it feels to go to the World Cup.”
“That is our aim going to the WAFCON.”
“We still want to go back to the World Cup. We know it’s the highest level and we still want to learn more from them.”
Focus on Morocco
Zambia has been drawn in a challenging Group C at WAFCON alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi.
The tournament will run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, with the Copper Queens hoping to improve on their impressive third-place finish achieved in 2022.
Before then, attention remains firmly on the Four Nations Tournament as coach Nora Häuptle continues building momentum ahead of Africa’s biggest women’s football competition.
Conclusion
Barbra Banda has made it clear that the Copper Queens are fully focused on their WAFCON preparations and determined to make the most of the Four Nations Tournament.
With World Cup qualification firmly in their sights and crucial matches against quality opposition awaiting, Zambia’s women’s national team will be hoping for strong support from fans as they take their final steps towards Morocco.
