It’s unfortunate I keep missing Namibia’s games – Barbra Banda

The Zambia Women’s National Team is intensifying preparations for their back-to-back Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia later this month.

Head coach Nora Häuptle has summoned 41 local players to camp, with Israel-based striker Rachael Nachula the only foreign-based player currently in Lusaka, taking advantage of the off-season at her club.

Captain Barbra Banda, who is sidelined by a season-ending injury, paid a morale-boosting visit to the squad, urging her teammates to stay focused ahead of the October battles.

“I’m wishing them all the best. I know our girls have the capability of winning and we are rooting behind them,” Banda said. “All what they have to do is be determined and work together as a team and at the end of the day we achieve one goal.”

The skipper stressed the importance of the ongoing camp, saying it will sharpen the team’s readiness. “These preparations give the girls motivation and show how we are progressing each and every day. There’s a lot of competition, and everyone wants to be in the team to face Namibia.”

Although Banda will miss the clashes, she remains optimistic.

“It’s unfortunate I keep missing Namibia’s games, but I know what the girls are capable of. At the moment we are looking at Namibia—we need to win and then qualify for WAFCON. From there, the bigger dream is to qualify again for the World Cup.”

Zambia face the Brave Gladiators on October 22 in Johannesburg, before hosting the return leg on October 26 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.