Shepolopolo coach Bruce Mwape is confident as Zambia starts preparations for the 2019 Cosafa Women Championship set for South Africa.
Mwape’s side regrouped in Lusaka on Tuesday to start getting ready for the tournament to be staged from July 31 to August 11 in Port Elizabeth.
The coach told journalists on day one of the preparations at Arakan Barracks Ground that Zambia will challenge for the regional title.
“Our players have gained experience; they played the Cosafa last year and the Africa Cup. I am sure they are now geared to lift the cup,” Mwape said.
“Of course when you go to a tournament you always target number one position,” he said.
Zambia finished fourth at the 2018 Cosafa Womens Cup.
Meanwhile, Spain based striker Barbara Banda of EDF Logrono is leading the 36 member provisional team Mwape has summoned.
GOALKEEPERS:Tricia Mutale (Konkola), Hazel Nali, Maleta Muwindwa (Green Buffaloes), Edith Zulu (Yasa), Dyness Kasuka (Red Arrows)
DEFENDERS:Lweendo Chisamu, Agness Musesa, Anita Mulenga Martha Tembo (all Green Buffaloes), Margret Belemu (Red Arrows) Arrows, Patricia Lampi (Yasa), Lushomo Mweemba (Nkwazi), Grace Nanyiza (Indeni), Miniver Chitundu (Zesco), Edah Lungu (Evergreen), Jackline Nkole (Indeni)
MIDFIELDERS:Natasha Witika (Zesco) Rachael Lungu,Hellen Chanda, Mary Mulenga (all Red Arrows),Kasonde Juliet Kasonde (Moba Queens), Naomi Chiwele Naomi, Rhoda Chileshe (both Indeni Roses), Judith Zulu (Green Buffaloes), Mary Mwakapila (Green Buffaloes), Vast Phiri (Zesco)
STRIKERS:Ochumba Oseke (Nkwazi), Grace Chanda, Hellen Mubanga, Tukiya Mufishi, Square Maiwase (all Red Arrows), Dorothy Chimfwembe (Chiparamba Breakthrough), Racheal Nachula (Green Buffaloes), Avell Chitundu (Zesco), Misozi Zulu (Indeni Roses), Barbra Banda (EDF Logrono
