By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASPOFA) has called on the Zambia national women’s team not to be intimidated by 2011 World Cup champions Japan, Spain and Costa Rica who they will face in Group C at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
ZASPOFA patron Peter Makembo said despite being the most experienced teams in Group C, both Spain and Japan are beatable.
Makembo said the Copper Queens will have to prepare adequately with support from government and the Football Association of Zambia to represent the country diligently at the World Cup which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Makembo hailed FAZ for starting early to organise friendly games for the Copper Queens who will begin their World Cup preparations with a friendly fixture against Columbia next month.
“We encourage our girls not to be intimidated by the so-called big names in Group C were they were drawn. As Zambia we have never been to the World Cup but playing at the Olympics gave us an insight of what to expect at the World Cup,” Makembo said.
“As fans we believe in the girls and we hope that they will be supported so that they can make the country proud,” he said.
Makembo reaffirmed the fans’ commitment to play its role as a 12th player to inspire and give the Copper Queens the morale needed to deliver positive results at the World Cup.
The 32-team 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will run from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Don’t be intimidated – Makembo tells Copper Queens
