Copper Queens name 34-member provisional squad for 2024 COSAFA women’s championship

Zambia Women National Team assistant coach, Florence Mwila, has named a 34-member provisional squad for the 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship, set to take place from October 22 to November 2 in Gqeberha, South Africa.

Mwila would lead the Copper Queens for the regional tournament, assisted by ZISD Women’s coach Enala Simbeye and ZESCO Ndola Girls’ William Zulu, in line with COSAFA’s initiative to empower women coaches in women’s competitions.

The squad consisted entirely of locally based players, with only seven players from the Paris 2024 Olympic squad retained for this 14-team championship.

Among the call-ups was veteran defender Margaret Belemu, a Red Arrows player who missed out on the Paris assignment but returns as one of the most experienced Copper Queens in camp.

Zambia would be aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2022, when they defeated South Africa, after falling to Malawi in 2023.

Provisional 34-Member Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles), Milika Banda (Trident Queens), Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Chimwemwe Mwale (Red Arrows)

Defenders:
Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women), Thelma Munkombwe (Elite Ladies), Melody Kipimpi, Mable Bwalya (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Diana Banda, Martha Katila Banda, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Esther Muchinga, Tabo Miselo (both ZANACO Ladies)

Midfielders:
Marjory Mulenga, Fridah Mukoma (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Shelly Masumo (Trident Queens), Suwilanji Chibesa (Nkwazi Queens), Mary Mambwe, Bupe Banda (both Red Arrows), Ruth Mukisi, Regina Chanda (ZANACO Ladies), Janet Kazila (ZISD Women), Esther Mushota (Indeni Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)

Strikers:
Natasha Nanyangwe, Agness Phiri, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Lungowe Namasiku (ZISD Women), Fridah Kabwe, Charity Mubanga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows).

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