By Konkola Copper Mines Media Team

Zambia’s National Women’s Football Team, the Copper Queens, brought inspiration and national pride to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) employees during a visit to the company’s Chingola operations, highlighting the importance of discipline, teamwork and determination in achieving success.

The engagement gave KCM’s female employees an opportunity to interact with the players and reflect on women’s achievements across football and mining. The delegation included Barbara Banda, Racheal Kundananji and fellow Copper Queens, accompanied by their technical bench and Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) representatives.

The players toured underground operations at Nchanga Mine, visited Nchanga Upper Secondary School and met female employees to exchange experiences on professional achievement and opportunities for women.

KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Satish Kumar, commended the Copper Queens for inspiring Zambians through their performances and demonstrating what dedication and hard work can achieve.

“The Copper Queens have continued to inspire the nation through their resilience, determination and outstanding performances on the international stage. You are role models for young girls, demonstrating that with discipline, hard work and commitment, dreams can be achieved,” he said.

Mr Kumar said the values that underpin success in football also matter in the workplace, where teamwork, commitment and accountability contribute to individual and organisational performance.

He reaffirmed Vedanta’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create opportunities and strengthen communities.

“Vedanta’s commitment goes beyond mining copper and contributing to Zambia’s economic development. The investor is equally committed to supporting initiatives that promote community development, national pride and the empowerment of young people,” he said.

The afternoon engagement provided an opportunity for the Copper Queens and KCM female employees to exchange experiences on leadership, resilience, self-belief and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated environments.

Sharing her experience, Copper Queens player Racheal Kundananji encouraged the women to believe in themselves, saying, “Everybody can believe in you, but it only takes you to achieve what you want. Just believe in yourself and stand up for yourself even when everybody is looking down on you.”

Her teammate and Captain Barbara Banda attributed her success to family, determination and hard work, noting that “what drives me most is my family and the community I come from. I want to give back and inspire the next generation.”

From the mining sector, KCM’s, Sibongile Kanyungu, Head Hydrogeologist at Number 4 Shaft encouraged young women not to allow their backgrounds to limit their ambitions, emphasising that “don’t let where you’re coming from limit what you can aspire for. You have to dream big and work hard towards that goal.”

Meanwhile, KCM’s Teresa highlighted the importance of mentorship and perseverance, observing that “when you’re faced with a challenge, even if you think you can’t manage, just be confident in yourself first. Just keep pushing at it.”

The exchange reinforced the shared message that women can excel in any field through confidence, resilience, hard work and the determination to challenge perceived limitations.

The visit also gave the Copper Queens an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of mining to Zambia’s economy and the role women play in KCM’s operations.

KCM continues to support Zambia’s national football teams through its partnership with FAZ, alongside women’s teams at its sponsored clubs in Nampundwe, Konkola and Nchanga. The company has also introduced the KCM–FAZ Cup to strengthen domestic football and expand opportunities for competition.

The engagement forms part of KCM’s broader commitment to employee and community wellbeing, women’s empowerment and the development of Zambian sport.

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