The affected players—Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda—were originally named in the squad for the prestigious invitational tournament but have since been withdrawn as a precautionary measure. According to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, “owing to additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the United States,” the federation determined it would be in the players' best interest to forgo this particular assignment.
Impact on Zambia’s Squad
The absence of these four players is a significant blow to Zambia’s squad. Banda, the team captain, Chanda, and Chilufya all play for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), while Kundananji is contracted with Bay FC, a San Jose-based club in the same league. Their withdrawal weakens the Copper Queens' lineup for the tournament, which serves as a crucial preparation event ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Despite the setback, Kamanga emphasized that the team’s technical staff had already identified and brought in replacements to ensure competitiveness. “They will definitely be available for future assignments as they were for the last window when we played Malawi,” he added.
Unclear Travel Policies Raise Concerns
FAZ did not specify the exact travel measures that led to the players’ withdrawal, but the move comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign travelers under recent U.S. policy changes. The Trump administration has ramped up restrictions, including stringent vetting of visa holders, a crackdown on illegal immigration, and discussions about potential travel bans on certain countries.
In January, a new executive order was signed, instructing U.S. officials to evaluate and potentially limit travel from countries deemed to have inadequate security vetting processes. Although no official list of affected nations has been published, concerns over re-entry difficulties have made many foreign athletes and professionals hesitant to leave the U.S. for international assignments.
What This Means for Future International Competitions
The uncertainty surrounding travel policies poses a challenge for national teams with U.S.-based players. While FAZ remains optimistic about future availability, the episode highlights a broader issue for athletes playing abroad who may face obstacles when representing their home countries.
For now, Zambia will have to proceed without some of its most experienced players in China. However, the situation raises important questions about how evolving international travel policies could impact sports, particularly for African nations with a growing presence in global leagues.