Mwape Names Squad for Paris 2024 Olympics
Coach Bruce Mwape, has finalized his squad of 22 players for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The announcement came during a press conference where Mwape detailed the team’s preparations and recent developments.
Among the notable selections, skipper Barbra Banda will lead the squad alongside her United States-based counterpart Rachael Kundananji. The squad also includes experienced players such as Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, Martha Tembo, and Lushomo Mweemba.
However, the squad has faced setbacks due to injuries, which have forced the exclusion of Esther Munsaka and Evarine Katongo. Munsaka, an Elite Ladies goalkeeper, sustained an injury during training, leading to her withdrawal from the team. In response, Eunice Sakala has been called up as a replacement.
“We had about 35 players initially, and after careful consideration and following tournament regulations, we have finalized our squad of 22,” Mwape explained during the announcement. “We’ve selected players based on merit, and those who didn’t make the final cut were due to form.”
The team is set to depart for Europe this weekend for an international camp, where they will engage in high-profile friendly matches ahead of the tournament. Their preparation includes matches against teams with significant international experience, aiming to fine-tune their strategy and cohesion before their first match.
Zambia’s campaign in Group B of the Olympic Games will commence with a match against the United States on July 25 at the Stade de Nice. They will subsequently face Australia at the same venue three days later before concluding their group stage fixtures against Germany in St Etienne.
Final Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Raanana Women FC – Israel), Ngambo Musole Petronella (Green Buffaloes), Eunice Sakala (INDENI Roses)
Defenders: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent – Kazakhstan), Esther Siamfuko, Diana Banda (both Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Esther Muchinga (ZANACO Ladies)
Midfielders: Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride – USA), Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda (both Hakkarigucu Spur – Turkey), Rhoda Chileshe (INDENI Roses), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Prisca Chilufya (Club Juarez Femenil – Mexico)
Strikers: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride – USA), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC – USA), Kabange Mupopo (Green Buffaloes), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem – Israel), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows)
