The Government has expressed confidence in the Zambia Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Copper Queens, as they prepare to represent the country at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Speaking during the team’s send-off ceremony in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe said the team carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of Zambians as they embark on the continental assignment.
Mr. Chileshe said the Copper Queens had grown beyond being a football team and had become ambassadors of the nation and an inspiration to young girls across the country.
The Permanent Secretary also paid tribute to former Copper Queens Head Coach Bruce Mwape, who died last week, describing his contribution to Zambian football as significant.
He said the best way to honour the legacy of Coach Mwape was for the team to continue striving for excellence, compete with determination, and fly the Zambian flag high on the international stage.
“As you prepare for WAFCON, draw inspiration from his legacy and continue the work he started by striving for excellence and flying the Zambian flag high.”
The Copper Queens left for Algiers, Algeria, last evening for a ten-day intensive training camp before heading to Morocco for the tournament scheduled for July 25 to August 16, 2026.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba said the team was well prepared for the competition, having taken part in a number of international engagements, including a three-nations tournament in Malawi, a FIFA series in Brazil and a four-nations tournament in Zambia where they emerged champions.
Mr. Mweemba said the team would play two more international friendly matches before joining the rest of the national team in Morocco.
FAZ Women’s Football Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba thanked Government and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for the support provided towards the team’s preparations, saying the backing had motivated the players and technical bench to work even harder.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Copper Queens defender Margaret Belemu assured the nation that the team would give its best and would carry the memory of Coach Bruce Mwape with them throughout the tournament.
The Copper Queens have been urged to remain focused and disciplined as they seek to make Zambia proud on the continental stage, with the nation behind them as they begin their WAFCON journey.
