By 
The Copper Queens have received a timely morale boost from Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba, who has urged the team to treat their upcoming clash against South Africa as more than just a friendly.
The match, set for tomorrow in Pretoria, is the final fixture in a three-nation international series that also features Botswana.
Zambia were held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana on Saturday, heightening the stakes of their next encounter.
Speaking at the team’s base at Anew Hatfield Hotel, Mweemba described the match as a critical part of preparations for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“Let’s take this game against South Africa very, very seriously,” he told the squad.
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He stated: “As an executive, we will do our part, but preparations start now — not tomorrow, not next week.”
Mweemba encouraged the players to cast aside fear and approach all opponents with equal respect — whether African rivals or global giants.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Brazil or Germany — you go out there with no fear, but with full respect. I don’t like the word ‘underdog.’ In modern football, there are no underdogs,” he said.
Mweemba emphasised the need for tactical discipline and cohesion across all areas of the pitch — from the goalkeeper to the forward line.
“Every department must function: defence, midfield, attack. Transitions matter. Attitude matters. If you apply yourselves correctly, you can beat South Africa,” Mweemba stated.
He also reaffirmed support for head coach Nora Häuptle, pledging that the FAZ executive would address structural issues raised by the technical bench.
“We are holding our first FAZ executive committee meeting on June 7. Real decisions will be made, and we are committed to ensuring all departments begin functioning effectively,” Mweemba said.
The Copper Queens may be looking to rise to the occasion and finish the series on a high when they face South Africa tomorrow in what promises to be a crucial test of form and resolve.
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