Head coach Carol Kanyemba, a stalwart figure with a passion for the game etched into her very being, stood on the sidelines, a beacon of inspiration for her young charges.
Their journey, rife with determination and talent, mirrored that of their predecessors led by the illustrious Barbra Banda, a name synonymous with Zambian footballing glory. It was Banda’s generation that etched Zambia’s name onto the global stage, securing the nation’s inaugural qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
As the Copper Princesses readied themselves for battle against Uganda in the third round qualifiers, Kanyemba’s voice rang out, a clarion call to draw from the wellspring of inspiration left by Banda and her compatriots. “Look at the Barbra Banda crop,” she urged, her words dripping with conviction. “They made history, and now it’s our turn to carve our legacy into the annals of footballing lore.”
With a resounding victory over Tanzania, the path ahead shimmered with promise, but challenges loomed large. Uganda, a formidable adversary, stood between them and the realization of their dreams. Yet, Kanyemba exuded unwavering belief in her squad, citing the recent surge of Zambian talent in the women’s game as evidence of their potential. “We have the talent, the confidence, and the drive,” she proclaimed. “If these girls unleash their potential, we can surpass expectations and seize our ticket to the World Cup.”
Indeed, the landscape of women’s football in Zambia had undergone a metamorphosis, fueled by the vibrancy of active leagues that nurtured budding talents into formidable athletes. Kanyemba lauded the impact of these leagues, where players honed their skills and maintained peak physical condition, sparing precious time for tactical refinement rather than laborious fitness drills.
“The girls are already primed physically,” Kanyemba remarked with pride. “Thanks to the active leagues, they step onto the pitch with a level of fitness that’s a testament to their dedication and hard work. Now, it’s about fine-tuning our strategy and unleashing their full potential.”
As the countdown to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic beckoned, Zambia stood on the precipice of history. With three representatives from Africa vying for glory, the stage was set for a spectacle of determination, skill, and unyielding passion.
For Kanyemba and her Copper Princesses, the journey was not merely about participation; it was about seizing the opportunity to shine on the global stage, to defy expectations, and to inscribe their names alongside the legends who paved the way.
As the final whistle heralded the commencement of their quest, the echoes of Kanyemba’s rallying cry reverberated across the pitch. With every pass, every tackle, and every goal, they forged ahead, fueled by the spirit of their predecessors and the unwavering belief that they, too, could etch their mark upon the tapestry of Zambian footballing history.
Photo: CAF Online
