We Cannot Always Bank on Barbra Banda: Mwape
With the 2024 Paris Olympics just over a month away, Zambia’s Copper Queens are in intensive training under coach Bruce Mwape. The team held a session at Heroes Stadium yesterday in preparation for potential friendly matches before the Olympics.
While Barbra Banda is a vital player for the Copper Queens, Mwape emphasized the need for a well-rounded squad. “We cannot always bank on her (Barbra),” he said. “What if she’s injured? We have other players as well who can actively replace her, but we cannot run away from the fact that she is our key player and everyone will be happy when she joins.”
Mwape expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their eagerness to compete.
Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, Germany’s Ambassador to Zambia, Anne Wanger-Mitchell, who visited the team during training, acknowledged her dilemma. A passionate supporter of her home country’s team, Wanger-Mitchell also holds Zambia close to her heart, having witnessed their 3-2 victory over Germany in a September 2023 friendly match.
“We have a rematch coming up,” Mitchell told the team. “Let’s see who comes out on top this time!” She playfully sported a scarf combining the colors of both Zambia and Germany, hinting at her divided loyalties.
With Zambia facing Germany on July 31 in Group B alongside powerhouses USA and Australia, Mitchell revealed, “I’m not sure about the format, but if two teams per group advance, you know which two I’m rooting for.”
“We are looking forward to the return match because you (Zambian team) owe us one,” said Mitchell as she addressed the girls. “Now let’s see who will win this one.”
