Mapepa keen to keep her spot on the Copper Queens squad.
Mapepa keen to keep her spot on the Copper Queens squad.
Mapepa, who has recently fallen out of favor with the National Team’s coaching staff, was absent from the consecutive friendlies against Morocco and the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The left-winger’s most recent appearance for the Copper Queens was in a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with BolaNews, she expressed her determination to regain her peak performance level. “I am investing a lot of effort to recover my fitness and reach my personal best,” she stated.
Mapepa continued, “I am both a goal scorer and a team player. I just need a few more matches to demonstrate that I’m still one of the top players.”
The 21-year-old, who holds the record for consecutive Golden Boot Awards in the Zambia Women’s Super League, emphasized that her primary focus is to assist the Elite Ladies in achieving their goal of competing in the CAF Champions League.
Regarding her European aspirations, Mapepa remains optimistic, despite unsuccessful trials at Djugardens IF in Sweden last year. “The last two seasons went well, and I’ve started this season on a positive note,” she said. “But my dream for this season is to support the team and pursue opportunities abroad.”
Mapepa has already netted three goals in three games for Elite Ladies this season, and they currently sit in sixth place in the standings with nine points from five matches.
Zambia is set to face Angola in a home and away 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this month, and Mapepa hopes to be considered for these crucial matches by Bruce Mwape.
