Zambia are determined to focus on soccer in their first participation in the Women’s World Cup, the captain said Barbara Banda about the team’s arrival in New Zealand on Wednesday. Allegations of sexual abuse in Zambia’s women’s national team setup surfaced on social media last year and are the subject of investigations by the country’s FA and FIFA.
Coach Bruce Mwape responded with a terse “no comment” when asked about the allegations and forward Banda, who failed the gender test, said the players had their minds set on the tournament opener against the former world champion Japan on July 22. “I’m not in a position to answer that because I’m just a player, my job is on the pitch, not technically,” Banda told reporters in Hamilton.
“Mostly, I think as players our mind is on the pitch, the rest we leave to the management and what comes out is up to them. Our job is just to work on the pitch.”
Zambia is ranked 77th in the world but will be looking to pull off a World Cup upset or two after drawing 3-3 with Switzerland and beating two-time world champions Germany 3-2 in friendlies in recent weeks. .
“Well, it was a good game for us and a good preparation for the World Cup,” said Banda, who scored three goals in two games, including a stoppage-time winner against the Germans. “It wasn’t easy to beat Germany, but I think we really did our best and at the end of the day, we got maximum points which is important for us.”
After playing Japan at Waikato Stadium, the Zambians face Europe’s top team Spain in Auckland before completing their Group C matches against Costa Rica in Hamilton. “My goal and focus is the World Cup and my fans, just to prepare, I’m there to give my best and do what I love the most,” added Banda.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
