Copper Queens Captain Barbra Banda Encourages Fans Ahead of WAFCON Campaign
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has sent a message of hope and unity to fans as the team gears up to kick off their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey against hosts Morocco on 5 July. In a recent appearance on the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar, Banda expressed confidence and determination, urging supporters not to lose faith in the team.
Despite the weight of expectations and the spotlight on her as a star player, Banda remains unfazed and resolute in her commitment to lead the team with pride and passion. She emphasized the collective identity of the Copper Queens and the shared dream that drives them forward.
“To our fans back home in Zambia, [they] should not look down on us. We are still the Copper Queens and we will make you proud. What we need is support from you back home. Your support means a lot to us,” Banda reassured.
Zambia will be competing in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages. Banda emphasized the importance of home support in boosting the team’s performance and morale.
As a decorated player who has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, Banda draws strength from her international experience and leadership skills to guide the team towards success.
“I would say I am not having any pressure because I think at my stage now I have played a lot of games, competitive games at the international level so it’s not something I think as a player, I know how to handle,” Banda shared.
While acknowledging her individual achievements, Banda remains focused on the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving success in a tournament like WAFCON. “Honestly, football is a team sport. I create all those records with my team because I need my players to assist me, I can’t score without my teammates,” she highlighted.
With a humble yet determined mindset, Banda continues to strive for excellence, fueled by the motivation to work hard and the belief that success is a result of both personal effort and divine intervention.
