Florence Mwila Unveils 34 Member COSAFA Provisional Squad
Zambia Women’s National Team assistant coach Florence Mwila has officially named a 34-member provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship, set to take place from October 22 to November 2 in Gqeberha, South Africa. With the Copper Queens eager to reclaim the title they won in 2022, this tournament is a key regional assignment in their journey.
The squad is composed entirely of locally-based players, with only seven members from the Paris 2024 Olympic squad making the cut. Notably, Margaret Belemu, a standout defender for Red Arrows and one of the most experienced players in the Copper Queens camp, has been recalled after missing out on the Paris tournament. She will lead the defense alongside promising talents like Esther Siamfuko and Pauline Zulu.
Mwila will be supported by Enala Simbeye (ZISD Women’s coach) and William Zulu (ZESCO Ndola Girls coach), reinforcing COSAFA’s push to involve more women coaches in regional competitions. This leadership team will be crucial as Zambia looks to avenge their 2023 final loss to Malawi and return to the summit of Southern African women’s football.
34-Member Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)
- Milika Banda (Trident Queens)
- Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes)
- Chimwemwe Mwale (Red Arrows)
Defenders:
- Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies)
- Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women)
- Thelma Munkombwe (Elite Ladies)
- Melody Kipimpi, Mable Bwalya (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Diana Banda, Martha Katila Banda, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes)
- Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
- Esther Muchinga, Tabo Miselo (both ZANACO Ladies)
Midfielders:
- Marjory Mulenga, Fridah Mukoma (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Shelly Masumo (Trident Queens)
- Suwilanji Chibesa (Nkwazi Queens)
- Mary Mambwe, Bupe Banda (both Red Arrows)
- Ruth Mukisi, Regina Chanda (ZANACO Ladies)
- Janet Kazila (ZISD Women)
- Esther Mushota (Indeni Roses)
- Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
Strikers:
- Natasha Nanyangwe, Agness Phiri, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes)
- Lungowe Namasiku (ZISD Women)
- Fridah Kabwe, Charity Mubanga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows)
The Copper Queens are entering the 2024 tournament with a strong desire to reclaim the COSAFA Women’s Championship title they last won in 2022. With a solid mix of experienced players like Belemu and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Zambia is set to compete at the highest level. The team will look to learn from their 2023 heartbreak and push for another triumph against the top teams from Southern Africa.
As Zambia’s football fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, all eyes will be on the Copper Queens as they look to reignite their winning form and bring the title back home
