US-based female football star Temwa Chawinga joined the Scorchers on Monday ahead of the trip to Zambia for two international friendlies.
Two other foreign-based players, defender Chimwemwe Madise and striker Sabina Thom, who are based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were the first to join the squad on Friday.
The other foreign-based players, namely captain Tabitha Chawinga and midfielder Rose Kabzere, who are based in France and Kazakhstan-based duo Bernadette Mkandawire and Vanessa Chikupira will join the squad in Zambia.
The team will leave in three groups with the first set to depart today, the second group will leave tomorrow while the last group will depart on Thursday.
Meanwhile, coach Lovemore Fazili yesterday named 23 players for the trip which includes seven foreign-based players.
The coach said he was happy with the players’ commitment during training.
“I am very impressed with the players’ attitude, especially their competitive spirit,” he said.
“I am also happy with the availability of most of our foreign-based players because their experience is vital.”
Fazili also said the friendlies will help them gauge their strength as they step up their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against winners between Zimbabwe and Angola in October.
“The local preparations have gone on well and we are prepared for the matches against Zambia,” he said.
The squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Kukoma Ntopwa) and Yamikani Kaonga (MDF Lioness); Defenders: Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe), Bernadette Mkandawire (FC BIIK-Kazygurt), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (kukoma Ntopwa), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Academy), Maureen Kenneth (Ascent Academy) and Tamala Simeza (Blue Eagles Ladies); Midfielders: Rose Kabzere (Montpellier), Vannessa Chikupira (FC BIIK-Kazygurt), (Faith Chimzimu (Ascent Academy), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Academy), Carloline Mathyola, (Silver Strikers Ladies), Tendai Sani (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Zainab Kapanda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Funny Magombo (kukoma Ntopwa) and Sarah Mulimbika (Ndirande Soccer Giants); Strikers: Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais Féminin) Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) Sabina Thom (TP Mazembe) Catherine Kachala (MDF Lioness) and Chisomo Banda (Silver Strikers Ladies).
