Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant visited the Copper Queens in Zurich on Saturday and shared a word with the team after their friendly match against Switzerland.
The coach watched the Copper Queens give away a 1-3 lead to draw with Switzerland in their ninth pre-World Cup match on Friday night.
Despite a much-improved attack that saw goals from Grace Chanda, Barbra Banda, and Rachael Kundananji, the defense remained a major cause of worry.
They have conceded 18 goals in their last nine pre-World Cup matches.
Grant told the team that he was pleased with their performance. He, however, cautioned them that talent without hard work is nothing.
“Nobody has enough talent to live on talent only,” he told the Copper Queens. “You have a big talent. I saw the game today, and I was very happy with the game.
“But remember, talent without passion and without mental strength is not good enough…. But what I saw today made me very happy, and I wish you all the best in the World Cup.”
The Copper Queens will continue fine-tuning for next month’s 2023 Australia/Newzealand FIFA Women’s World Cup with another friendly against Germany on July 7, 2023.
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The Womens World Cup is set to commence on 20th July to August 20th.
Zambia is in Group C alongside Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain and will kick off their debut campaign on July 22nd against Nadeshiko Japan.