Mapepa, who seems to have fallen out of favor with the National Team technical bench, missed the back-to-back friendlies against Morocco as well as the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The left-winger last made an appearance for the Copper Queens in a 3-1 win over Costa Rica at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She tells BolaNews in an exclusive interview that she is focused on returning to her personal best.
“I am putting in a lot of [hard] work to regain my fitness and return to my personal best,” she said.
Mapepa added, “I am a goal scorer and team player. I just need a few more games to prove that I am still one of the best players.”
The 21-year-old, who holds the record for back-to-back Golden Boot Awards in the Zambia Women’s Super League, says her priority is to help the Elite Ladies reach their goal of playing in the CAF Champions League.
Mapepa not giving on European dream
She, on the other hand, remains optimistic about her dreams of playing in Europe, having attended trials at Djugardens IF in Sweden last year that did not result in a contract.
“The last [two] seasons were good and I have started on a positive note this season,” she stated. “But my dream for this season is to help the team and also play abroad.”
Mapepa has scored three goals in three games for Elite Ladies this season, who are in sixth place in the standings with nine points from five games.
Zambia will this month face Angola on the 27th in a home and away 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Mapepa will hope Bruce Mwape will consider her for the crucial matches.
