Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Women’s National Representative Col Priscilla Katoba has urged Women Football players to report abuse to the relevant authorities.
Col Katoba who is on a tour of Zambian Premier League Women’s teams has emphasized that athletes need to be protected from every form of Abuse.
She has so far visited 3 teams namely Luyando Foundation Girls, YASA Queens and Amezam Tamanga.
Her message has been consistent focusing on safe guarding, taking football as career, the dangers of same sex relationships, education and dress code and behavior.
Part of the conversation with the girls fromthe three teams included the very important topic of Safe guarding, concentrating on the types of abuse, who are the abusers and how to report such abuse.
She took time to also talk about the importance of taking football as a career . To embrace it, as it has become a career like any other.
Col Katoba who is also the Deputy Director of Sport in the Zambia Army emphasized on the importance of education and that the players take it side by side with Football
“Don’t be afraid , report anyone who is abusing you physically, psychologically, sexually or any other form. It’s our duty to protect you, we have to protect you because we want you to continue playing football, “ she said.
“This career that you have chosen can take you to places you have never been, make you financially free so take it seriously. Look at Barbra Banda, Rachel Kundananji, Grace Chanda and others who are playing outside the country.”
“Education should also be taken seriously because this is short career. You need to protect yourself because it can end anytime so you need something to fall back on,” she added.
Col Katoba blessed the three teams with a small package that included sanitary pads, water, tissue and some other items which are important for the Girl Child in Football.
She is set visit two moreclubs next week as she continues her check ins with the larger Women’s Football family.
