LUSAKA — Zambia’s national netball team, the Copper Queens, defeated Zimbabwe 58-49 at Olympic Youth Development Centre to secure a place in the final World Cup qualification tournament in Cape Town next month.
Captain Natasha Lubandi led from the front with 24 goals from 27 attempts, while mid-court maestro Tamara Kapepwe disrupted Zimbabwe’s attacking rhythm. Coach Mwape Kaunda said a six-week residential camp in Livingstone had transformed the squad’s fitness levels.
The National Sports Council allocated K3.5 million for preparations, including friendly matches against South Africa’s development side. Netball Association of Zambia president Mwamba Kalenga urged corporate sponsors to back the team’s travel and kit requirements.
Fans in Kitwe and Ndola gathered at community halls to watch the live broadcast. Schools in Lusaka reported increased netball enrolment among girls following the victory, mirroring the impact of Chipolopolo’s recent AFCON success.
The Copper Queens must finish in the top two in Cape Town to book a maiden World Cup appearance. Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu pledged government support for the final qualifying camp.
