FIFA Series: Barbra Banda calls for urgent reforms as Zambia face Brazil

Zambia women’s national team captain Barbra Banda has called for total reforms in the national team set up as they pepare to face Brazil in their second fixture of the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series.

The Coppers Queens are in Brazil as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set for Morocco from July 25th to August 16th.

Zambia started their campaign in Brazil with a 4-0 defeat against Canada. Speaking ahead of the Brazil fixture, Banda opened up on what is hailing the national team.

Zambia need proper organisation

“We can be top players, but if we are not organised well, then I don’t think, [we are] going to do magic for us win,” Banda told FAZ Media.

“We need proper organisation. So, also it [goes] back to us also, starting from the management and everything. So, we need to at least do better than this because, at the end of the day, these are FIFA series, and we keep on dropping our level and standards.”

Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, added: “Honestly, I would like to see change, more change. It’s not that we can compete with these European teams, but we know we can do better, starting from the association and the government.

“Maybe they can come in to help us because preparation is the most good thing for us. And we are representing Zambia. We are putting on this badge with pride, so we also need to be considered.”

Zambia are in Brazil minus head coach Nora Hauptle. Zambia FA later confirmed the Swiss tactician was missing out after she had proposed amendments to her current contract leading to drawn out negotiations that ruled her out of the Brazil assignment.

Assistant coach Charles Haalubono was handed the task to handle the team in Brazil with Zambia facing Canada on Saturday.

Zambia squad for FIFA Series;

Goalkeeper: Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows).

Defenders; Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Memory Nthala, Agness Musesa (both Green Buffaloes), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakarrigucu (Turkey), Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes).

Midfielders; Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidoga Spor-Turkey), Grace Chanda (Queretaro-Mexico), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Esther Muchinga (Zesco Ndola Girls), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes).

Forwards; Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows Women), Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes).

NOTE: Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC), Avell Chitundu, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Xiomara Mapepa (Altaraji) were ruled due to injuries while Evarine Katongo could not leave Israel owing to the security situation in that country.