Zanaco Ladies midfielder Blessings Zulu has described her maiden call-up to the Copper Queens as an exciting milestone after earning promotion from Zambia’s Under-20 national team, where she previously served as captain.
The talented midfielder is part of the provisional Copper Queens squad currently preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and is hoping to impress the technical bench as she fights for a place in the final squad.
Speaking in an interview with FAZ Media, Zulu said she was grateful for the opportunity and believes the national team coaches have created a pathway for young players to break into the senior team.
Dream Opportunity
Zulu admitted that receiving her first senior national team call-up was a proud moment in her career.
The former Under-20 captain said she has settled in well with the senior squad and credited the experienced players for making the transition easy.
“Preparations are going well and everyone is pushing and working hard. We are working as a team,” Zulu said.
“For me, being my first time, I am excited about it. I have adapted so well. The senior players have welcomed us.”
Local League Producing Quality
The Zanaco Ladies midfielder also praised the growing standard of the FAZ Women’s Super League, noting that the large number of locally based players in camp reflects the quality of the domestic competition.
She believes competing against one another every week has helped many players develop and prepared them for the demands of international football.
“Most of us are playing in the same league. It is important because we have to know where we are going.”
WAFCON Preparations Continue
The Copper Queens have begun their preparations in Lusaka with a provisional squad of 29 players ahead of the continental showpiece.
The team will travel to Algeria on 13 July for a pre-tournament training camp, where they are scheduled to play two international friendlies against the hosts on 19 and 22 July.
The matches are expected to provide head coach Nora Häuptle with a final opportunity to assess her squad before selecting the team that will travel to Morocco for WAFCON.
Conclusion
Blessings Zulu’s first senior national team call-up marks another important step in her promising football career.
After leading Zambia at Under-20 level, the Zanaco Ladies midfielder now has the opportunity to prove she belongs among the country’s best as she competes for a place in the Copper Queens squad heading to WAFCON 2026.
