In January this year, Zambia Women’s National Team midfielder Evarine-Susan Katongo was invited to attend trials by Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Team in South Africa but turned down the offer.

The deal was also said to have fallen through due to contractual misunderstandings between her childhood club, Luyando, and ZISD FC, both of whom claimed ownership of her.

Reports suggested that she was also unwilling to join the South African side.

The 20-year-old is currently a key member of the Copper Queens squad, which will compete in the women’s World Cup. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand starting on the 20th of July 2023.

She has previously turned down moves to the United States and a trial at Mamelodi Sundowns, as earlier mentioned, in preference for a top European club.

Despite that, Katongo is optimistic that she will be able to move to a top club after the World Cup.

“I believe that I am going to play outside [the country] after the world cup, and I have hope because I am really working hard and I see myself playing outside Zambia after the world cup,” she said in an interview on Sunday at Woodlands stadium.

Katongo gives strong assurance to fans.

She has insisted that the Copper Queens are going to the World Cup to compete, not just to participate.

“The preparations so far are going very well. So we are just promising our fans that we are going to work hard…. And that we are going there to compete, not just to participate.”

Katongo was the crowd favorite during an international friendly match against Tanzania on Sunday. Fans cheered her whenever she was in possession of the ball due to her dribbling skills.

She completed the most passes and also made the most ball recoveries in the match.

Katongo and the Copper Queens squad left last night for Germany for an international camp. The Zambian FA has lined up three friendly matches as part of their World Cup preparations.

They will play the Republic of Ireland on June 22 and Switzerland on June 30 before concluding their friendlies against Germany on July 7.