From featuring in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to lifting the COSAFA U-20 Girls Championship, 17-year-old defender Margaret Gondwe has now received her first-ever senior national team call-up to the Copper Queens.
Head coach Nora Häuptle included the Green Buffaloes youngster in her 35-member provisional squad for two upcoming international friendlies against South Africa and Botswana, scheduled for 31 May and 3 June, respectively.
Häuptle emphasized the importance of blending youth with experience as she continues to shape the squad ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will run from 5 to 26 July 2025.
In an exclusive interview with BolaNews, Gondwe shared her excitement upon receiving the call-up.
“I am very happy because this is the first time I am being called to the senior team. To be honest, I didn’t expect it,” she said excitedly. “I just need to work extra hard because in the senior team, everyone is at their peak so I need to go and show the coach that I can do it by working extra hard.”
The young defender also expressed her long-standing dream of playing alongside Zambia’s senior stars.
“This is something I have been wanting for a long time: to one day play on the same pitch with Lushomo Mweemba, Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and the other senior players,” she said.
Gondwe Vows to Repay Coach Häuptle’s Faith
Gondwe is determined to repay the faith shown in her by the Copper Queens coach.
“For the coach to call me, it means she believes in my abilities and I will have to make sure I don’t let her down. I will give my everything and I am very thankful to her.”
Reflecting on her rapid rise, Gondwe credited her previous international experience as key to her readiness for this new challenge.
“I gained a lot of experience playing at the U-17 World Cup and I learned quite a lot which will help me settle in the senior team.
“I am encouraging fellow young players to continue working hard and not give up. If they work hard, there more opportunities coming; they shouldn’t give up,” concluded Gondwe with a word of encouragement for fellow young players aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
READ MORE: Copper Queens to face South Africa and Botswana, Nora names squad
