The Zambia Women’s National Team has continued to intensify its preparations ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, slated for July 20–August 20 in New Zealand and Australia.
Since they arrived in New Zealand ahead of the event, coach Bruce Mwape and the technical bench have been hard at work with the team to fine-tune.
Following the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali due to a knee injury, Catherine Musonda will assume the team’s number-one position.
Speaking in an interview today, Musonda believes preparations are going on well and is ready to step up in the absence of injured Nali.
“The preparations are going on well. As a team our target is to go past the group stage,” she told FAZ media. “It was difficult to accept at first, but now I just have to accept and prove the fans wrong to have faith in me without Hazel. I can still put the country on the map.”
Musonda reveals target at the World Cup
Musonda started Zambia’s last friendly game against Germany which they won 2-3 and made five crucial saves.
She said: “The Germany game was okay, but tough I just went with a positive mind of hardwork. Now that Hazel is injured, I just need to concentrate and keep pushing my teammates.”
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On starting Zambia’s opening match against Japan on the 22nd of July 2023, Musonda is confident.
“We need to win that game, first game is very important according to our preparations. We just need to work hard as a team,” she stated. “I want to put up an impressive performance and join a top-flight team in Spain or anywhere else and ensure people have faith in me.”
The Copper Queens are placed in Group C containing Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan.
