SHEPOLOPOLO EYES COSAFA CROWN

Speaking in an interview before the team’s departure for Port Elizabeth, Nali said the team was well prepared for the tournament.

“We prepared well and are ready for the challenge. This time we don’t want third or fourth place, we have had enough of those positions. Our objective is to reach the final and obviously claim the title,” she said.

She said the opening game against Mauritius was a must-win if the team had to perform well in the remaining fi tures.

“In this era of football, no team is an underdog. Our opponents have also prepared for this tournament, so we will not give any team an underdog treatment as that could cost us the title,” Nali said.

FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said the association was confident the team would put up a strong challenge at the tournament.

Kashala urged the players to remain focused and assured them of the association’s full support.

“The girls are in top form and we believe they can bring us the title. I advise them to go into each game with a mind of a champion, they have all what it takes to claim that title,” he said.

National Organisation for Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (NOWSPAR) director Matilda Mwaba called on the Zambians to rally behind the team.

“ have confidence the girls will do a good job in South Africa. Women football has tremendously improved and the COSAFA provides a good platform for our girls to showcase their talent and get spotted by high profile clubs,” Mwaba said.

However, the team will be without the star-studded trio of strikers Barbara Banda, Racheal Kundananji and Misozi Zulu due to club commitments.

ambia finished fourth at last year’s edition after a 1-0 defeat to Uganda.

The tournament will run from July 31 to August 11.