Mweemba urges Copper Queens to tackle WAFCON with ‘united mindset’

Photo Credit – Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has called on the women’s national team, Copper Queens, to approach the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a united mindset, deep patriotism and a fierce determination to win.

The Copper Queens are in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo for the tournament, which will run from July 5-26.

“We are going to the African Cup of Nations not just to be participants, but to win, and everything centers on preparation, the mindset and the mental strength. All those things are very important,” said Mweemba, as quoted FAZ Media.

“First things first, I expect all of us here to go to Morocco with one thing in mind: patriotism to the country and to the people of Zambia. For this trip to even happen, the government had to go out of its way to support us. I think it would be unfair to take anything for granted and not appreciate what the government has done.”

On his message to the players, Mweemba said: “It will be very painful to go into retirement with no silverware, knowing you had the best opportunity to win for your country. If this team plays as one unit, you will see the people of Zambia at the airport when you return with the trophy. We want that moment again.

“There must be unity, there must be no confusion in the camp whatsoever, no negative energy. Everybody has to be in a positive mindset, then we shall be champions.”

The Copper Queens will begin their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on Saturday, July 5, at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Zambia’s penultimate group match will be against Senegal on July 9, at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

They will meet DR Congo in their final match on July 12 at the same venue.