Copper Queens Camp Swells to 22 as Orlando Pride Trio Joins Ahead of High-Profile Friendlies
The Zambia Women’s National Team has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming FIFA international friendly matches against Botswana and South Africa, with the arrival of USA-based stars Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya.
The trio, who ply their trade with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), joined camp after fulfilling their club commitments, bringing the total number of players in camp to 22. Only two players, Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji and Israel-based Racheal Nachula, are yet to report and are expected to complete the 24-member squad within the next 24 hours.
Last week, Sichuan midfielder Ireen Lungu became the latest China-based player to report for duty, joining fellow Chinese Women’s Super League stars Xiomara Mapepa, Fridah Mukoma, and Kabange Mupopo. Turkey-based defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba had already arrived, reinforcing a camp that now boasts a strong blend of local and international talent.
Coach Nora Häuptle is using the two upcoming friendlies, against Botswana on 31 May and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on 3 June as crucial tests in Zambia’s preparations for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for 5–26 July in Morocco.
The 24-member squad features a solid core of locally-based players from clubs such as Green Buffaloes, Red Arrows, ZESCO Ndola Girls, and others, alongside experienced internationals ready to compete on the continental stage.
FINAL 24-MEMBER COPPER QUEENS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
Defenders: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)
Midfielders: Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (Orlando Pride-USA), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Strikers: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA)
Both matches fall within the official FIFA international window and will serve as vital opportunities for the Copper Queens to fine-tune tactics and team chemistry as they aim for continental glory in Morocco.
