Zambia Women’s Under-17 team has reached 60 percent readiness for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the Copper Princesses scheduled to leave the country on Sunday.
Speaking during a training session at Millers Grounds today, head coach Carol Kanyemba says preparations have progressed well, but the team needs more high profile international matches to accurately assess its readiness ahead of the tournament.
Kanyemba says the players have done their best during local preparations, but international competition will provide valuable exposure to the level they will face at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Copper Princesses captain Taonga Mubanga, who is set to make her third World Cup appearance, says the team’s target remains a podium finish.
Mubanga believes the squad has the quality and determination to compete for a medal as the Copper Princesses prepare to make their mark on the global stage.
Zambia will face China in a friendly on October 9 as part of its final preparations for the World Cup.
Zambia have been drawn in Group D, alongside Japan, France and Venezuela.
The tournament will mark the Copper Princesses’ third appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
By Canaan Siame
