Copper Princess Coach Mwila Names Provisional Squad for UEFA Friendship Cup

Zambia U20 Women’s Team Prepares for Turkey Showdown

Zambia U20 Women’s National Team coach Florence Mwila has named a 26-member provisional squad for the 2025 UEFA Friendship Cup, set to take place in Turkey from March 31 to April 10. The tournament will serve as a platform for young players to gain international experience, facing teams from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

The Copper Princesses will compete in Group A alongside hosts Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand, while Group B features Tanzania, Finland, Lebanon, and Jamaica. Zambia and Tanzania are the only Confederation of African Football (CAF) representatives at the tournament.

Blend of Youth and Experience in Mwila’s Squad

Coach Mwila, assisted by Charity Nthala and goalkeeper coach Sarah Chungu, has assembled a squad that blends U17 graduates and U20 players who fall within the U18 category. The final squad will be trimmed to 20 players before departure.

Notably, current U17 stars Natasha Nkaka, Lweendo Hanongo, and Masela Sekeseke have been included after playing crucial roles in Zambia’s 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

UEFA Friendship Cup: A Unique Global Stage

The UEFA Friendship Cup is a new initiative designed to give young female footballers international exposure, allowing them to compete against teams from different footballing cultures.

This year’s tournament, hosted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in Riva, near Istanbul, will give Zambia’s players a rare chance to test themselves against international opposition while fostering cultural exchange.

“This is a great opportunity for our young players to develop, gain experience, and showcase their talent on an international stage,” said coach Florence Mwila.

Zambia’s 26-Member Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

• Cynthia Mushili (Nchanga Queens)
• Margaret Phiri (Elite Ladies)
• Lucy Ndebe (Marvellous Girls)

Defenders

• Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)
• Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)
• Chimwemwe Banda (Football Chance Foundation)
• Natasha Nkaka (Choma Warriors)
• Mwaziona Sakala (Chipata Girls)
• Fridah Mbao (Pataaki)
• Dorcas Kupanda (Kansanshi Dynamos)
• Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens)
• Esther Musialela (ZANACO Ladies)

Midfielders

• Eunice Bwalya (YASA Queens)
• Harriet Matipa (YASA Queens)
• Zangose Blessings Zulu (Pataaki)
• Tricia Mabamba (Nchanga Queens)
• Brenda Mwewa (Nchanga Queens)
• Mapalo Lumya (Nkana Queens)
• Mary Mukupa (Red Arrows)

Strikers

• Bwalya Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes)
• Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace)
• Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)
• Theresa Nayame (Ntindi Shining Stars)
• Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)
• Judith Phiri (FC MUZA)
• Ireen Mweemba (Marvellous Girls)

The final squad selection will be made closer to the team’s departure as Zambia gears up for this historic tournament.