Bruce Mwape Names Zambia’s Provisional Olympic Squad
Zambia coach Bruce Mwape has unveiled his 38-member provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place in France from July 24 to August 10, 2024.
The squad sees the return of several key players from Red Arrows, including Margaret Belemu, Mary Mulenga, Mary Wilombe, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, and Hellen Mubanga, who were previously out for military training. These additions strengthen an already formidable team that secured qualification for both the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the Olympics.
United States-based captain Barbra Banda will lead the Copper Queens. The squad retains the core group of players who were instrumental in their recent successes. Zambia aims to surpass their previous Olympic performance as they face tough competition in Group B, consisting of the USA, Germany, and Australia.
- Opening Match: Zambia vs. United States on July 25 at the Nice Stadium.
- Second Match: Zambia vs. Australia on July 28.
- Final Group Match: Zambia vs. Germany on July 31 at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Raanana Women FC, Israel)
- Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes)
- Eunice Sakala (INDENI Roses)
- Chitete Munsaka (Elite Ladies)
Defenders:
- Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent, Kazakhstan)
- Esther Siamfuko, Esther Banda, Diana Banda (all Green Buffaloes)
- Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies)
- Judith Soko (YASA)
- Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Esther Muchinga, Thelma Chella (both ZANACO Ladies)
- Natasha Kapombo (INDENI Roses)
- Margaret Belemu, Mary Mulenga (both Red Arrows)
Midfielders:
- Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride, USA)
- Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda (both Hakkarigucu Spur, Turkey)
- Ireen Lungu (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent, Kazakhstan)
- Rhodah Chileshe (INDENI Roses)
- Comfort Selemani (Elite Ladies)
- Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
- Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
- Prisca Chilufya (Club Juarez Femenil, Mexico)
Strikers:
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA)
- Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC, USA)
- Eneless Phiri (Nkwazi Queens)
- Kabange Mupopo, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes)
- Charity Mubanga, Fridah Kabwe (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD Women)
- Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)
- Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Hellen Mubanga (both Red Arrows)
