Coach Bruce Mwape has named his final squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which includes veteran midfielder, Susan Banda.
Mwape has dropped the likes of Spain-based striker, Racheal Nachula, Prisca Chilufya, and former skipper Misozi Zulu, among others.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Susan Banda will be the oldest Zambian player in the Copper Queens squad at the World Cup.
She is one of the most experienced players in Mwape’s final squad, having made her national team debut in 2011.
Banda is a quick and accurate passer who also serves as an officer in the Zambia Air Force, and was a member of the Zambian team at the 2014 African Women’s Championship.
READ MORE: Banyana Banyana boycott friendly match against Botswana
She was instrumental in Red Arrows’ 2022-23 Zambia Women’s Super League campaign, which saw them lose out on the league title on the final day of the season to military rivals, Green Buffaloes.
After starting and impressing in a friendly match against Tanzania, Banda said, “I hope to use my experience and help the team at the World Cup.”
The midfielder has been brilliant in the last three friendly matches against Ireland, Switzerland, and Tanzania, earning accolades from fans and pundits alike.
FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: CATHERINE MUSONDA, EUNICE SAKALA, HAZEL NALI
DEFENDERS: MARGARET BELEMU, MARTHA TEMBO, LUSHOMO MWEEMBA, AGNESS MUSESA, ESTHER BANDA, JUDITH SOKO, MARY MULENGA, VAST PHIRI.
MIDFIELDERS: EVARINE SUSAN KATONGO, IREEN LUNGU, HELLEN CHANDA, MARY WILOMBE, SUSAN BANDA, AVELL CHITUNDU
STRIKERS: BARBRA BANDA, XIOMARA MAPEPA, RACHAEL KUNDANANJI, GRACE CHANDA
OCHUMBA OSEKE LUBANJI, HELLEN MUBANGA
STANDBY: ESTHER SIAMFUKO, COMFORT SELEMANI, RHODA CHILESHE
