FAZ President, Keith Mweemba says strengthening grassroot structures is key to sustaining the country’s regional dominance in football.

Mweemba says identifying, nurturing and sustaining talent at youth level leads to having strong and better performing senior teams.

He has therefore stated that the current crop of young players, especially the Under-17 girls national team, must be kept together so that they can progress as a unit.

Mweemba was speaking yesterday when he welcomed back home the victorious Under-17 girls football team, which has managed to retain the COSAFA championship.

And team Coach, Carol Kanyemba said the title is a gift to the new FAZ executive committee.

Kanyemba said the team is now determined to go and conquer the world in Morocco at the FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, FAZ Women’s Representative, Colonel Priscilla Katoba thanked the parents of the players for always ensuring that the children are available for national duty.

Zambia beat Malawi 3-nil yesterday, to be crowned COSAFA champions for a third time.

ZNBC