Inonge Kaloustian, a former striker for Clark University football team in the United States of America was left out of the Copper Queens provisional squad a month after making her debut for the national team.
The American-born striker joined ZISD FC of Zambia’s Women’s Super League in March, shortly after obtaining her Zambian passport, and later earned a call-up to the national team.
Kaloustian was part of the squad that traveled to South Korea for back-to-back friendlies in April.
In her only appearance for the Copper Queens, she played less than five minutes against South Korea.
However, last week she was left out of Bruce Mwape’s 35-member provisional squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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In an exclusive interview with Bolanews, Kaloustian said that she is fine and declined to comment on her exclusion from the Copper Queens squad.
Meanwhile, ZISD General Secretary (SG) Elijah Lungu has described her exclusion from the squad as a minor setback.
“Inonge is a very strong player, she is not affected by small setbacks,” Lungu said. “And she will continue playing for ZISD next season. She is here to stay.”
ZISD not happy with critics
Lungu stated that his club has condemned “negative talk and criticism” directed at Kaloustian for no reason.
“It has the potential to affect other players in the diaspora who will see this as a sign that they are not welcome home. I have some players who are asking me why they haven’t called Inonge and why all the negative talk… But I have tried to encourage them that Zambia is open and you are welcome to play,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Kaloustian confirmed to Bolanews that she has returned to the United States for personal reasons and that she will come back later.
“I had to leave because I needed to sort out some paperwork. I plan to come back later though,” she said.
Bolanews understands that she has gone to conclude her studies as she is pursuing a master of health science degree in epidemiology and biostatistics.
Kaloustian only scored once in the ten games she played for ZISD since joining them midway through the season.
ZISD finished 14th the season in the Zambian Women’s Super League with 35 points.
