ZISD FC forward Inonge Kaloustian has revealed why she is still a valuable option for the Zambian women’s national team despite her ‘disappointing’ omission from the Women’s World Cup squad.
Kaloustian has not featured in the Copper Queens squad since making her debut in April 2023 during Zambia’s 5-2 defeat to South Korea just before the World Cup.
Reflecting on her maiden appearance for Zambia, Kaloustian told The ZMB Talks, “I really enjoyed the experience. I learnt a lot. Everyone was friendly with me.”
She was not named in the Copper Queens squad that traveled to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
“It was really disappointing. But I realized I had to learn a lot. There is a certain style that Zambia plays that I’m not used to,” confessed the 24-year-old.
However, Kaloustian has not given up on her dream to play for Zambia, as she asserted, “I definitely have assets that can contribute to the [Copper Queens] squad.”
Kaloustian talks football and education
The ZISD FC star recently graduated with a Master of Health Science Degree in Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States.
Speaking about the importance of education for Zambian female footballers, Kaloustian articulated, “Compared to men’s football, making your livelihood in women’s football is often difficult. So you have to come up with something to supplement your income. And I think that’s where education comes in.”
Despite the resurgence of women’s football in Zambia, the issue of player wages still remains a huge concern. Several players, particularly in the Copper Queens squad, have resorted to joining the military to provide an alternative source of income.
BolaNews understands that some players in the Zambian Women’s League are paid as little as K500 ($20) per month.
Kaloustian hopes she can contribute significantly to Zambian women’s football, particularly regarding the issue of the sponsorship of top-flight clubs.
“I hope that I can use my image to help the women’s league gain [financial] support or pave a way for other Zambians in the diaspora to come back and play here,” the ZISD forward added.
