Solwezi, Zambia – Kansanshi Queens head coach Mwape Kasunka says his team is ready to embrace the challenge of competing in the ZPL Women Super Division, following the release of the fixtures for the 2026 Transition Season.
The Queens will make their first-ever appearance in the Super Division after earning promotion, with their campaign set to begin against reigning champions ZESCO Ndola Girls on Saturday, September 26, at the Trade Fair Grounds.
Kasunka says the fixture is a reflection of the level of competition the team expected to face after gaining promotion.
“We are now in the Super League, and these are the teams we expected to face. We have teams like ZESCO, and we know this is not going to be an easy league,” Kasunka said.
The coach says the technical bench has been preparing the players for the challenge long before securing promotion, ensuring they understand the demands that come with competing at a higher level.
“We have been preparing the players, and we started doing that even before we qualified. We told them that this is not going to be an easy league. As a technical bench, we are preparing them both mentally and physically for what is ahead.”
The opening fixture against ZESCO Ndola Girls presents an immediate test for the newly promoted side, but Kasunka believes the players should embrace the challenge rather than be intimidated by it.
“We have good teams like ZESCO, and we face them in our first game. For us, it is fair. They are champions, just like we are, and we know it will not be easy. We just have to be tough as a team and believe in ourselves.”
With the players currently in high spirits, Kasunka says the technical bench is focused on maintaining that confidence while ensuring the squad remains grounded ahead of the historic campaign.
“Our players are in high spirits at the moment. We know what is ahead of us, and we are preparing them for it. We have to be ready for every game and take the league one match at a time.”
For the Queens, the immediate objective is clear: establish themselves in the Super Division and retain their place among the country’s top women’s teams.
“Our target is to remain in the Super League,” Kasunka said. “We know the challenge that is ahead, but as a technical bench, we are ready for it.”
As the Queens prepare to embark on their first Super Division campaign, Kasunka has called on the club’s supporters to stand behind the team throughout the season.
“We are calling on our supporters to come and support the girls. They have waited a long time for this opportunity, and now that we are here, we need everyone behind the team. Their support will be very important to the girls.”
Kansanshi Queens begin their campaign on Saturday, September 26, against ZESCO Ndola Girls, before hosting Nchanga Rangers Queens at the Annex Pitch on September 30.
