Racheal Kundananji voices strong support for Zambia’s national women’s football team, calling them a ‘chosen generation’ poised to win WAFCON 2023 in Morocco. Zambia’s third-place finish in WAFCON 2022 and participation in the FIFA World Cup strengthens their confidence. With key players like Kundananji and Banda, the team looks forward to overcoming challenges under new coach Nora Häuptle.
Racheal Kundananji, a forward for Bay FC and member of the Zambian national team, expressed confidence in the Copper Queens’ chances at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July, referring to them as a ‘chosen generation.’ Zambia’s recent achievements include placing third in WAFCON 2022, which qualified them for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Additionally, the team participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and is set to compete in Paris 2024.
Kundananji, who transferred to Bay FC for a record fee, is performing well under new coach Nora Häuptle, recently scoring in a 2-0 victory over Malawi. Prior to her first international experience with Häuptle, formerly the Ghana women’s coach, Kundananji shared her anticipation of building a personal connection with her new coach during her second NWSL season.
She expressed optimism about Zambia’s potential, stating, “I know we have a very big team – a best team who can win a lot of games and a lot of trophies.” Kundananji emphasized the readiness of her team to succeed at WAFCON, drawing attention to their record-breaking achievements as a generation that is set to shine under new leadership.
Kundananji is expected to combine forces with Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda to bolster Zambia’s offense. Reflecting on her debut NWSL season, she mentioned the competitive spirit felt while playing against Banda, highlighting the mixed emotions of supporting fellow teammates in matchups that draw significant fanfare.
Zambia has been placed in Group A alongside host nation Morocco as well as Senegal and DR Congo, with progression to the quarter-finals contingent on being among the top two teams or the best third-placed teams. Banda, having missed the last WAFCON due to regulatory issues regarding testosterone levels, is anticipated to return, aiming to empower the Copper Queens further.
Banda expressed excitement about the growth of the national team, acknowledging the challenges faced but noting continuous improvement. She voiced her eagerness to achieve greater success with the support of the new coaching staff and the preparation provided at her club, which plays a crucial role in maintaining her competitive edge for national duties.
Kundananji’s backing of Zambia as a ‘chosen generation’ highlights the team’s potential for success in upcoming tournaments, particularly WAFCON in Morocco. With recent achievements and a mix of experienced players like her and Banda, Zambia aims to build upon previous successes while navigating new challenges under a new coach. The combination of record-setting talent, strategic coaching, and past experiences positions Zambia favorably for future competitive endeavors.
Original Source: www.espn.co.uk
