Prisca Chilufya Relishes Return to Copper Queens as Team Gears Up for Three-Nations Tournament

Copper Queens winger Prisca Chilufya has expressed her delight at rejoining the Zambian women’s national team after a year away, as the squad prepares for the upcoming Three-Nations Tournament in Pretoria.

Speaking after a training session at Clapham High School in Queenswood, Pretoria, Chilufya described her return as a proud and emotional moment. “It feels good to be back in these colours, because these are the famous colours back home. Whenever I’m around this group, I always feel like I’m representing home. It’s a very good feeling, honestly,” she said.

Chilufya, who recently transitioned from playing club football in Mexico to joining Orlando Pride in the U.S., said the change has been smooth. “The adaptation has been very good. Honestly, it has been very easy to adapt, and I feel at home, like being in Zambia or Mexico,” she noted.

Zambia will face Botswana on Friday and South Africa on Tuesday in the Three-Nations Tournament, a key preparatory event. Chilufya emphasized the importance of the matches, saying, “These games are very important because they will show us where we are in terms of preparation. They will help us see what we are lacking and how we can improve.”

She also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, noting that both Botswana and defending WAFCON champions South Africa present a tough challenge. “These are very good teams, and it has never been easy playing them. They are hungry and want to prove a point, and so do we. We believe this is our time.”

Chilufya encouraged her teammates to stay united and focused. “My message would be to stay connected with each other on and off the pitch. Be team players, be friends, and just have one common goal. Everything will work out if we do those things.”

The Copper Queens are aiming to use the Three-Nations Tournament as a springboard for future competitive engagements, with Chilufya’s return adding depth and experience to the squad.