Thirteen players from Zambia’s U17 Women’s National Team World Cup squad have earned their spots in the U20 Women’s 33-member provisional squad for the 2024 COSAFA Under-20 Women’s Championship.
U20 Women’s National Team coach Charles Haalubono has included the thirteen U17 players led by captain Zangose Blessings Zulu who leads the integration of the graduates into the U20 setup.
Goalkeeper Mwila Chishala Mufunte, defenders Margaret Gondwe, Saliya Mwanza, Mwaziona Sakala, and Eunice Mutonyi have all made the provisional squad that will prepare for the regional competition due in Johannesburg from November 19-24.
Others are midfielder Harriet Matipa, Blessing Mapula, Mary Mukupa, and Eunice Bwalya. Strikers Bwalya Namute Chileshe, Ruth Muwowo, and Gift Chilwizhi complete the list.
The Zambia U20 has been bolstered by the addition of joint COSAFA Women’s Championship topscorer Fridah Mukoma who made her debut for the Copper Queens last month and netted four goals in as many games.
The FAZ Technical Directorate has tailored programmes focussing on nurturing young talent and building a strong developmental pathway for men’s and women’s football.
33-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Police Doves Queens), Shanice Kolala (Luyando Foundation Girls), Chitete Munsaka (Elite Ladies)
DEFENDERS
Margaret Gondwe, Monica Mutisa (both Luyando Foundation Girls), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Mwaziona Sakala (Chipata Girls), Luty Kamanga (YASA Queens), Jessy Zulu (Green Buffaloes), Theresa Musatila (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Esther Musialela (ZANACO Ladies), Eunice Mutonyi (Police Doves Queens)
MIDFIELDERS
Lubasi Pumulo (Green Buffaloes), Bupe Banda, Mary Mukupa (both Red Arrows), Suwilanji Chibesa (Nkwazi Queens), Zangose Blessings Zulu (Pataaki), Harriet Matipa, Eunice Bwalya (both YASA Queens), Roydah Ngandu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Blessing Maluba (Marvellous)
STRIKERS
Theresa Nayame (Ntindi Shining Stars), Mary Mbewe, Ruth Mukoma (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Elizabeth Mwale, Lydia Shamalima (both ZISD Women), Bwalya Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Hellen Sichamba (Elite Ladies), Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Jaqueline Nambeya (AMEZAM), Beauty Phiri (FC MUZA), Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses)
FAZ
