In April, three Copper Queens first-team players – Margaret Belemu, Ochumba Oseke and Mary Wilombe – graduated from Zambia air force training as noncommissioned officers. The Copper Queens also competed at last year’s World Cup, coming third in their group, behind Japan and the eventual winners, Spain. The Copper Queens’ assistant coach, Florence Mwila, sees nothing wrong with footballers seeking employment in the military. “To the Zambia army, we stand proud to see our soldiers fighting for the nation in the Copper Queens squad,” she says. “The army has always been key in developing national team players, not only for the women’s team but also for the men’s national team.
