Zambian striker and former 400-meter sprinter Racheal Nachula, who plays for Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Katamon in Jerusalem, says she wants to help the Copper Queens win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Nachula, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 African Championships with a personal best time of 51.39 seconds and competed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Summer Olympics before switching to football, has also advised the young Copper Queens players to stay focused if they are to succeed in their football careers.
Nachula began her football career at Barclays Club in 2004, before moving on to Athletics in 2005. She returned to active football in 2013 when she joined Green Buffaloes women’s football club.
The 37-year-old forward participated in three Cosafa Championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019, where she was named the tournament’s top scorer with ten goals.
Nachula on consistency in football
Speaking to Bolanews in an exclusive interview, Nachula said what has helped her succeed in her football career is “staying determined and focused,” advising young players to do the same and they “will make it.”
Nachula is looking forward to participating in the WAFCON next year after missing last year’s edition and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I am happy to go and represent my country, and I am hoping for the best,” she said.
Nachula believes women’s football in Africa has become competitive, but she is confident the Copper Queens have what it takes to compete.
“The competition is stiff and there is more competition, so we are looking forward to it and I know we will go all the way.”
Nachula made her debut for the Copper Queens in 2014 under Abert Kachinga but missed the 2014 and 2018 WAFCONS.
She has 7 goals this season, including 4 in the Athena Cup, and has made 4 league appearances and 3 goals.
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Nachula provided two assists in Zambia’s two-legged 12-0 aggregate thrashing of Angola in the WAFCON qualifiers, helping the team secure qualification for next year’s tournament.
