AMBASSADOR MULENGA INSPIRES COPPER QUEENS' OLYMPIC DREAM

17.07.2024 | Football in my DND

Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Judith Mulenga, recently stirred a wave of excitement and confidence among the Copper Queens as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Set to commence on July 25, the games will see Zambia’s national women's football team standing tall against some of the world's footballing giants, and Ambassador Mulenga believes they have what it takes to aim for gold.

During a heartfelt visit to the team's base in Lyon, France, Mulenga highlighted the significant improvement the team has shown since their participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. "We are happy to see you here, you are carrying our flag better than all of us. We have a lot of confidence in you, and we would like each one of you to get the gold medal. There is no other Ambassador greater than yourselves, and your Ambassadorship is bigger than any one of us carrying that title,” Mulenga stated passionately. Her remarks, shared by Naomi Mweemba, First Secretary Press at the Embassy of Zambia in Paris, resonated deeply with the team.

Accompanied by Embassy Counsellor Chrissy Hilweele, Mulenga commended the Copper Queens for their exceptional representation of Zambia on the international stage. She encouraged them to elevate the country's flag even higher as they step into the Olympic arena.

Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape echoed Mulenga's optimism, emphasizing the team’s solid preparation and recent performance. He pointed to their 1-1 draw with New Zealand in a friendly match as evidence of their growing prowess. “The team played so well on Saturday; even though they missed a lot of chances, we were supposed to carry the day. But we have been fine-tuning and believe that we will be ready for the tournament,” Mwape remarked confidently.

The squad, which includes key players like USA-based Grace Chanda and midfielder Prisca Chilufya from Club Juarez Femenil in Mexico, has been diligently training in Lyon. Their hard work and dedication are evident as they gear up for their second Olympic appearance.

The Copper Queens' journey at the Olympic Games will be nothing short of challenging. They will kick off their campaign against the United States of America on July 25, followed by a match against Australia on July 28 at Stade de Nice. Their final Group B engagement will be against Germany on July 31 in St. Etienne.

As the excitement builds, the Zambian nation rallies behind the Copper Queens, inspired by their determination and the encouraging words from Ambassador Mulenga. The team's resolve to bring home the gold is stronger than ever, and their journey at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises to be a thrilling testament to their skill, unity, and national pride.

Let’s support our Copper Queens as they aim to make history on the world stage!