Football analyst Musonda Chibulu says developmental matches for the Shepolopolo senior team ahead of the 2023 New Zealand/Australia FIFA Women’s World Cup is cardinal.
Chibulu has commended the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for allowing the women’s team to play in this year’s COSAFA in order to ensure fitness in the 2022 Africa women final bronze medalists.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS Sports Monday, the Soccer Analyst said though World Cup preparations scenarios differ for every country, the COSAFA tournament will be platform for the shipolopolos to adequately prepare for the Women’s World Cup, 11 months away.
“The Zambia senior women’s team has never won the COSAFA cup and this outing is important for the squad to have a winning feeling together, ” he said.
Chibulu expressed optimism that the COSAFA tournament will give chance to some of the Shipolopolos players that have never had an outing to play in the regional tournament.
“This tournament is good because if the young players currently in South Africa may be integrated into the World Cup bound team depending on how they perform, “ he said.
The 2022 COSAFA championship taking place in South Africa should not be the blue print of how Zambia should also prepare the Shepolopolo.
He however said there is still a lot of time for FAZ to organise developmental preparatory games for the Shepolopolo.
“We cannot always be copycats when we are always doing things. I would be not worried what South Africa is doing,
“ I believe that Football House already is organising an elaborate program for the Shepolopolo that will be unveiled in due course, “Chibulu said.
The local football analyst said there is no need to press panic buttons as the Football House has everything under control because there is a lot of time for World Cup preparations.
Chibulu commended FAZ president Andrew Kamanga for prioritising the preparations for the senior women’s team ahead of the women’s global tournament.
“This Football Association of Zambia under Andrew Kamanga has prioritised the World Cup preparations and everything is under control.
“New Dawn Government has also shown incredible commitment in assisting the Football Association of Zambia put together very important training programs for our various national soccer teams.
“ Probably the team will even camp outside as has been the norm, “he said.
Women’s national team coach Bruce Mwape declared his team ready for the tournament which starts tomorrow.
Mwape told journalists before departure at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport that his team is targeting to win the title.
Zambia will begin her campaign against Namibia on 1 September before playing Lesotho three days later. The Shipolopolos will wrap up their group B match with Eswathini on September 6.