Barbra Banda Speaks on WAFCON Dreams and U.S.-Based Experience During CAF Webinar

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda says playing in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) remains one of the highest honours for any African footballer, calling the tournament a “big stage” that every player dreams of reaching.

Speaking during the WAFCON Stars Webinar hosted by CAF Media, Banda expressed gratitude for her national team call-up and underscored the significance of representing Zambia on the continental stage.

“Playing in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, it’s something which every player is wishing for,” said Banda. “I personally want to appreciate the call-up to the national team and playing at WAFCON. It’s a very big stage which everyone is looking forward to.”

The Orlando Pride forward, who is based in the United States alongside fellow internationals Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya, emphasized the value of experience gained abroad and how it can elevate African women’s football.

“Definitely, I think for us based in the U.S., it’s to do our best to bring up the experience,” she said. “We know women’s football has grown across the continent, and I think our experience will contribute to the growth of African football so that we keep improving each and every day.”

Banda will lead Zambia into Group A of this year’s WAFCON, where the Copper Queens are set to face hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo, starting with their opening match on July 5 at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

As Zambia continues its final phase of preparations in Mohammedia, Banda’s leadership and international exposure will be key assets in the team’s quest to surpass their third-place finish from the previous edition.

The CAF webinar featured several WAFCON-bound stars and served as a platform to highlight the growing profile of the women’s game across Africa. Banda’s contribution further underscored Zambia’s ambition not just to compete, but to contend.