2020 Tokyo Olympics: We are focused on the tournament – Nali

By Precious Bwale | June 16, 2021

The Zambia Women’s national team, the Copper Queens will next month represent, Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the team has stepped up preparations to that effect.

Coach Bruce Mwape has full strength in camp in preparation for the much-anticipated tournament and they have been putting in a lot of work.

The ZamFoot Crew caught up with Copper Queens goalkeeper Hazel Nali, who is excited ahead of the tournament. The Israeli-based goalminder was quick to point out that everyone in camp is focused.

“We are going to do our best because we are planning for it every day, and every player that is in camp is focused on the tournament,” she said.

“I feel great that we qualified for the Olympics, and indeed we put in a lot of work throughout the journey and it’s an achievement for every player to be here,” she added

Nali told the ZamFoot Crew that competition in the team is high, as they are 5 goalkeepers, aiming for the first choice place in the squad ahead of the final squad announcement later this week.

“The competition is there, it gives me sleepless nights and I know I need to work hard for me to play. Whoever is going to work hard will play and I believe am working hard,” she said.

Nali who moved to Israel last November thanked God for granting her the opportunity because she has always wanted to play football outside the country.

“I was excited for the move that I made, and for me playing professional football has been an achievement.”

The Copper Queens are in Group F alongside China, Brazil, and the Netherlands at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Coach Bruce Mwape tutored side will start their journey at the Olympics with a stern test against the Netherlands on 21st July 2021 before taking on China PR 3 days later with both matches slated for Miyagi Stadium in Miyagi.

The Copper Queens will then wrap up their group match against the much-fancied Brazil on 27th July 2021 at Saitama Stadium in Saitama.