Margaret Belemu Returns to Copper Queens Squad for COSAFA Showdown
In a significant boost for the Zambia Women’s National Team, experienced defender Margaret Belemu makes her return to the squad as the Copper Queens gear up for the 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship. The tournament, which will be held from October 22 to November 2 in Gqeberha, South Africa, offers Zambia a chance to reclaim the title they won in 2022.
Belemu, a stalwart for Red Arrows in the Women’s Super League, has been named in the 34-member provisional squad selected by assistant coach Florence Mwila. Her inclusion comes after she missed the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, and her presence will be vital as the Copper Queens look to make a deep run in the regional tournament.
A Return of Experience
Belemu’s return brings a wealth of experience to the team, having been a key player in Zambia’s successful COSAFA campaigns in the past. Her leadership in defense will be critical, especially as the squad is largely composed of locally-based players. With only seven players from the Paris 2024 squad retained, the team will rely on her to anchor the defense and guide the younger talents through the pressures of international competition.
The Copper Queens will face stiff competition in the 14-team tournament as they seek redemption after losing the 2023 final to Malawi. With Belemu back in the fold, Zambia is well-positioned to challenge for the trophy once again.
COSAFA Encourages Women Coaches
As part of its mission to empower women in football, COSAFA has encouraged teams to appoint female coaches for the tournament. Assistant coach Mwila, who will take charge for this campaign, will be supported by Enala Simbeye, coach of ZISD Women, and William Zulu, coach of ZESCO Ndola Girls. This leadership trio will be crucial in harnessing the team’s talent and pushing them to perform at their best.
Zambia’s COSAFA Hopes
The Copper Queens have shown their potential in past COSAFA editions, and their squad for 2024 reflects a balance between youth and experience. Alongside Belemu, key players like Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Evarine Susan Katongo will carry the nation’s hopes in the attack and midfield, respectively.
With the tournament fast approaching, the Copper Queens will be eager to build momentum, starting with a strong performance in the group stages. Zambia last lifted the COSAFA trophy in 2022, and the team is determined to bring it home once again.
Full 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:
- Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
- 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)
- 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)
