July 12 (Reuters) – Zambia shall be focusing resolutely at the soccer of their first look on the Ladies’s International Cup, captain Barbra Banda mentioned at the squad’s arrival in New Zealand on Wednesday.
Allegations of sexual abuse within the Zambian girls’s nationwide group set-up surfaced on social media final 12 months and are the topic of investigations via the rustic’s FA and FIFA.
Trainer Bruce Mwape introduced a curt “no remark” when requested concerning the allegations and ahead Banda mentioned the avid gamers had their minds firmly on their match opener in opposition to former global champions Japan on July 22.
“I am not ready of answering that as a result of I am only a participant, my task is to be at the pitch, no longer at the technical aspect,” Banda instructed newshounds in Hamilton.
“Most commonly I feel as avid gamers our thoughts is solely at the pitch, the remainder we go away to the control and no matter comes up it is as much as them. Our task is solely to paintings at the pitch.”
Zambia are ranked 77th on the planet however will fancy springing a marvel or two on the International Cup after drawing 3-3 with Switzerland and beating two times global champions Germany 3-2 in friendlies over the past couple of weeks.
“Neatly, it used to be a just right recreation for us and a just right preparation for the International Cup,” mentioned Banda, who scored 3 targets over the 2 fits together with the stoppage-time winner in opposition to the Germans.
“You understand, Germany isn’t a pushover group however I feel we in point of fact attempted our easiest and on the finish of the day, we carried thru most issues that used to be necessary for us.”
After taking part in Japan at Waikato Stadium, the Zambians tackle most sensible Ecu aspect Spain in Auckland prior to rounding out their Crew C fixtures in opposition to Costa Rica again in Hamilton.
“My purpose and focal point is to the International Cup and my fanatics, simply to get able for me, I am there to do my degree easiest and to do what I like maximum,” Banda added.
Reporting via Reuters TV, writing via Nick Mulvenney, modifying via Peter Rutherford
Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Agree with Ideas.
