COPPER QUEENS GAME FOR BOTSWANA

ZAMBIA national women's team coach Bruce Mwape has declared his side ready for the two friendly matches against Botswana.

Zambia will today play Botswana in a friendly match at Nkoloma Stadium the same venue which will host the second friendly on May 2.

Both Zambia and Botswana have qualified for the Morocco 2022 AWCON and are using the two friendly games at Nkoloma Stadium to prepare for the women's continental championship.

Speaking during a prematch press briefing Mwape said his team of local stars had prepared well for Botswana.

"We started our preps on Monday although it wasn't the first time we were meeting to prepare for the Africa Cup. And all I can say is that the team is ready for the friendly game against Botswana.

"What people should expect is to see new faces. Most of our strikers are not with the team as they are playing outside the country so the game will give us a chance to assess the new players," Mwape said.

And Copper Queens midfielder Esther Siamfuko said the friendly against Botswana would give the local players a chance to show what they can offer at senior level.

Meanwhile, Botswana national team coach Alex Malete said the games will give them an opportunity to assess the players and prepare for the AWCON to be held in two month’s time in Morocco.

"It is the third time Zambia will be playing at the Africa Cup which says a lot about them. The number of players playing in foreign leagues is increasing which is good for women's football in Zambia and we believe Zambia is a good opponent as they are way ahead of us so it is going to be a good test for us.

"The fact that we are playing away and the coach has been with the team for a long time, we expect a tough game and we are equal to the task," Malete said.

Mwape has named a 28-member squad consisting of local stars only while foreign-based players will only join in the final phase of preparations as their leagues are still active. With players such as Barbra Banda, Hellen Mubanga, Rachel Kundananji and Misozi Zulu out of the team, Mwape will look to local stars like Rhodah Chileshe, Natasha Nanyangwe, Mary Wilombe, Evarine Katongo, Elizabeth Mupeso, Avell Chitundu and strikers, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Lungowe Namasiku to deliver victory for Zambia.