Copper Princesses head coach Carol Kanyemba says the team is ready for battle against Brazil in their FIFA U17 World Cup opener on Friday.
The Copper Princesses open their Group D account with a match against Brazil early Friday morning (1 am CAT) at the Estadio Felix Sanchez Stadium in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo.
“The girls are showing that positive attitude and looking sharp ahead of the Brazil game. We have told the girls to believe in themselves. We have respect for Brazil, but we are going to play our game. We are going to show them what we can do as well. The girls will unleash their potential and show the world what Zambia can do,” Kanyemba said.
“We are not bothered by the name Brazil. The game is a good litmus test to show our quality in Zambia. We are all local coaches on the bench with a full local squad.
“Yes, they are a big team with experience, but that doesn’t intimidate us. We know what is at stake and what we want to achieve. We have confidence in the team we picked. They are a team that loves to work together and is willing to play for each other.”
Meanwhile, FAZ national women’s representative Col. Priscilla Katoba has encouraged the Zambia U17 Women’s National Team to perform best at the eighth edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024.
Katoba, who is leading the delegation at Zambia’s second appearance at the U17 Women’s World Cup said the tournament presents a perfect stage for the Copper Princesses to make their best case while also representing the nation with pride.
“You are here as ambassadors of the country. I urge you to represent the country with pride and deliver results. You are representing the over 20 million Zambians back home. It requires you to work hard and live up to the expectations,” Katoba told the players.