Zambia have made a late change to their technical team for the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship with the appointment of Beauty Mwamba as acting head coach.

This follows the parting of ways with Enala Phiri, who had only been appointed to the role on August 22, but was released from her duties following a meeting of the association’s Executive Committee meeting on September 1.

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has with immediate effect parted company with Zambia Women’s national team coach, Enala Phiri,” FAZ confirmed in a media release. “The decision to part ways with Mrs Phiri was made during the Football Association of Zambia Executive Committee meeting held on 1st September, 2018.

“FAZ and Mrs Phiri reached a mutual agreement to part ways. The decision to part company is purely in the association’s and Mrs Phiri’s interest. We wish to take this opportunity to wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

“We wish to congratulate Mrs Mwamba on her appointment. FAZ has immense faith in her ability to deliver for the nation.”

Mwamba was acting as assistant coach to Phiri, but must now ready the side for the COSAFA Women’s Championship that gets under way in South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday.

Zambia have been drawn in Group B along with continental heavyweights Cameroon, Lesotho and Mozambique.
The Shepolopolo open their campaign against Lesotho on Thursday.

Only the top team in each pool, as well as the best-placed runner-up, advances to the semifinals.

Zambia are also using the competition as preparation for the African Women’s Championship to be staged in Ghana from mid-November.

Zambia squad:

Goalkeepers:Catherine Musonda, Hazel Nali, Maleta Muwindwa

Defenders:Anita Mulenga, Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Jackline Nkole, Lwendo Chisamu

Midfielders:Lushomo Mweemba, Mary Mambwe, Rabecca Nyirenda, Joana Benai, Misozi Zulu, Barbra Banda, Rhoda Chileshe, Hellen Nga’ndwe Chanda, Mary Mwakapila

Strikers:Racheal Kundananji, Theresa Chewe, Racheal Nachula