Profile: Zambia Women’s National Under-20 Football Team (“Young Copper Queens / Young She-polopolo”)
Overview
The Zambia Women’s National Under-20 Football Team, nicknamed the Young Copper Queens or Young She-polopolo, represents Zambia in international youth competitions. Originally a U19 side until FIFA’s age category change in 2006, the team competes in CAF and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Administration & Structure
- Governing Body: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), which formally organized women’s football in 1983.
- Support: FAZ allocates specific budgets for women’s and youth football development.
- Kit: Primary color is green (jersey, shorts, and socks).
- Domestic Base: As of 2009, Zambia had 100 senior women’s teams (16+) and 112 youth women’s teams (U16).
Challenges
The team operates within the broader context of African women’s football, which faces systemic challenges:
- Limited funding, with heavy reliance on FIFA rather than local associations.
- Societal issues, including gender inequality, poverty, and limited access to education for women.
- “Brain drain,” where talented players often pursue opportunities abroad, weakening the domestic game.
Competitive Record
The Young Copper Queens have actively participated in CAF and FIFA U-19/U-20 qualifying tournaments since 2002.
Key Tournament Participation:
- 2002 African Women U-19 Championship:
- Received a first-round bye after Malawi’s withdrawal.
- Eliminated in the quarterfinals by South Africa (0–1, 2–3).
- 2006 African Women U-20 Championship:
- Round 1: Lost to Mozambique on aggregate (0–4 in Kitwe, won 2–1 away).
- 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying (Africa):
- First Round: Drew with Egypt (2–2 in Lusaka, 1–1 in Ismailia).
- 2010 African Women’s Championship Qualifiers:
- Lost heavily to South Africa (0–6 away; return fixture skippered by Veronica Banda with Jane Mutambo in goal).
- 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying:
- First Round: Beat Kenya 2–1 at home but lost 4–0 away, failing to advance.
- 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying:
- Coached by Martha Kapombo.
- First Round: Lost to Kenya 5–2 on aggregate (won 2–1 at home in Lusaka; lost 0–4 away in Nairobi).
- Coach Kapombo cited Kenya’s tactical changes as a key factor in the defeat.
Outlook
The Young Copper Queens remain a developing side, striving to advance in continental and world qualifying campaigns while navigating the structural and social challenges common to women’s football in Africa.
