The Government of the Republic of Zambia, has started dismantling the dues owed to the Zambia Women’s National team.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe reassured the Copper Queens before their departure for Algeria that his office had started approving payments owed to the team.
Chileshe was speaking at a luncheon held in honour of the Copper Queens at Protea Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday.
“This is to motivate you that the same government that has been truthful in the past to equalise pay, is the same government that is dedicating itself to say, we want you to be motivated,” Chileshe said.
“I was officially beginning to sign off some of your payments which started this morning. I am sure as you get on your plane, by tomorrow and the other day I will send proof of payment to FAZ that we have already started the payment process. This is part of motivating the team,” he added.
He added that President Hakainde Hichilema had directed the Ministry to ensure that all money owed to players was cleared, saying the Copper Queens should concentrate on their campaign.
“The secretary to the cabinet under the guidance of President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed us to make sure that whatever we owe players be cleared. I am glad to announce that we have commenced the process. It’s important for us to motivate you,” Chileshe said.
Meanwhile, The Copper Queens departed for Algiers, Algeria on Tuesday evening for a week – long camp ahead of the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The team is expected to play two international friendly matches against Algeria before heading to Morocco to kick off the tournament.
The two friendly games against Algeria will be played on July 19 and 22 before the two teams jet out to Morocco on the same flight.
At WAFCON, the Copper Queens are in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria , regional rivals Malawi and Egypt.
