Ntopwa Women’s Football Club has embarked on a journey to Durban, South Africa, as they prepare to participate in the CAF Women’s Champion’s League Cosafa Qualifiers. Despite facing funding challenges for the trip, the team remains undeterred in their pursuit of success.
Leading the charge is Coach James Sangala of the Amaghetto Queens, who shared that their campaign will commence on August 30th at Sugar Ray Zulu Stadium. Their first match will see them go up against the Defence Force of Kwazulu Natal. Just two days later, they will take on Buffaloes, still at the same venue.
The backbone of Ntopwa’s strategy is a 21-member squad, all of whom have demonstrated their prowess to earn a spot in the Rainbow Nation.
Ntopwa finds itself placed in Group A of the fiercely contested tournament. In their group, they will be vying for advancement alongside defending champions Green Buffaloes from Zambia, Double Action Ladies representing Botswana, and Lesotho’s Defence Force.
The road to the semi-finals is challenging, with only two teams from each group securing a coveted spot. The ultimate prize is a ticket to the Champions League finals, scheduled to unfold in November in Ivory Coast.
The composition of the traveling squad is as follows:
**Goalkeepers:** Mercy Sikelo and Bridgetown Daniel.
**Defenders:** Olivia Phikani, Rose Alufandika, Slyvia Phiri, Joyce Makweya, Lyness Mbera, Bernadetta Mkandawire, and Chimwemwe Chitsulo.
**Midfielders:** Mary Mbalangwe, Saliva January, Memory Chidetsa, Funny Magombo, Esther Chauluka, and Monica Jester.
**Strikers:** Mary Chindeya, Kondawo Banda, Yamikani Mhango, Lydia Nchochoma, Linda Kasenda, and Vanessa Chikupira.