Zambias Mwakapila sends Starlets warning

Zambian midfield ace Mary Mwakapila has fired early warning shots to Harambee Starlets, saying they are a much stronger side than the team that lost 3-0 during last year’s international friendly in Kitwe.

Mwakapila says they will present a much a tougher opposition when the two clash in Nairobi on November 8 for the opening of their 2020 Olympics qualifying match.

Harambee Starlets’ radical squad overhaul means Zambia will essentially face a new team although Corazone Acquino and Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam – who were their chief tormentors at the Author Davies Stadium – are still in the team.

“I am very happy that my team is in the fourth round and I believe we can go all the way. The team we have now is a tough one and I believe we shall carry the day. We’re ready and waiting.

“Of course Kenya is a big team and we cannot afford to underrate it. Eliminating World cup contenders Ghana is not an easy task so we know we have to put a good fight,” Mwakapila who plays for Green Buffaloes in the Zambian women’s top flight league said.

The Bruce Mwape coached side Shepolopolo advanced to the penultimate qualifying round of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after eliminating Botswana 3-0 on aggregate.

Forward Grace Chanda who plays for the Zesco Ndola girls in her country, Rachael Nachula and Barbara Banda who plies her trade in Spain with Logrono in the Primera division are some of the names to fear going to the match.

Mwakapila’s sentiments comes a day after the Kenyan government’s timely intervention after the team’s camp, which was scheduled to kick off early this week, was called off due to lack of funds.

Starlets held its first training session ahead of the match on Friday and they are set to play a friendly match against the FKF National Centre of Excellence team next Monday.

The second leg match will be played in November 11 at the Nkoloma Stadium in the Zambian capital Lusaka.