Zambian captain Barbra Banda asked supporters to keep believing as her team gets ready for their first match against Morocco on July 5. The Copper Queens will compete at the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Banda spoke during a webinar about the upcoming competition. She told fans back home that the players remain united and want to make their country proud. The team needs strong support from Zambia to succeed.
Banda said she feels calm about leading the squad despite high expectations from supporters. Her experience playing many international matches helps her stay focused. The striker won major awards last year such as CAF African Women's Footballer of the Year and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year. She became the first African player named to the FIFPRO Women's World 11. These honors motivate her to work harder rather than create pressure.
The captain stressed that football requires teamwork rather than individual effort. She needs her teammates to help create scoring chances and win games. Banda cannot succeed alone without assistance from other players. Her personal achievements came through working with the entire squad. The team shares the same dream of making their nation proud at this major tournament.
Zambia competes against Morocco, Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo during group play. The top two teams from Group A will advance to the knockout rounds. Home support will play a key role as the Copper Queens try to progress through the tournament.
Banda said she feels calm about leading the squad despite high expectations from supporters. Her experience playing many international matches helps her stay focused. The striker won major awards last year such as CAF African Women's Footballer of the Year and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year. She became the first African player named to the FIFPRO Women's World 11. These honors motivate her to work harder rather than create pressure.
The captain stressed that football requires teamwork rather than individual effort. She needs her teammates to help create scoring chances and win games. Banda cannot succeed alone without assistance from other players. Her personal achievements came through working with the entire squad. The team shares the same dream of making their nation proud at this major tournament.
Zambia competes against Morocco, Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo during group play. The top two teams from Group A will advance to the knockout rounds. Home support will play a key role as the Copper Queens try to progress through the tournament.
