President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the Zambia Women’s National Team to put aside negativity and focus entirely on their debut FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
With the Copper Queens four days away from facing Japan in the opening Group C match at Waikato stadium in Hamilton, Hichilema believes the Copper Queens must keep their eyes on the ball and focus on competing at the biggest football stage.
“Please remain focused, remain focused. You will hear a lot from home and elsewhere. People talk a lot when you are at the stage where you are now. A lot of people take interest in the level you are operating at right now, some (with) positive (messages) some negative but remain focused,” Hichilema said.
“Just eyes on the ball. Media, friends, anyone else will say things (but) just eyes on the ball and we know and believe that looking at the quality that you bring to the table, the scoring capabilities that we have been proud of, the teamwork from defence, we are confident that will do it.”
Speaking when he addressed the players via Microsoft Teams, the football patron urged the Bruce Mwape led technical bench to do their part and government would work on all outstanding administrative issues.
The virtual meeting was attended by Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu, Sports permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe, FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga, Copper Queens players in Hamilton and State House staff.
Hichilema said Chipolopolo’s triumph of a record seven titles at the just-ended COSAFA Cup should motivate the Copper Queens to go all the way at the 32-team tournament that is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand where Zambia is based.
“(The) good news of our Chipolopolo lifting the COSAFA Cup is wonderful and a good encouragement to you and I am sure you must take a leaf that you too must deliver. We are proud of you, we are confident of you and we will give you all the support,” Hichilema said.
“I have been briefed of a few administrative issues and I have talked to the Ministry of Finance and a number of people in the private sector to give you the full support as you work for us and represent us at the highest stage because we have never qualified (to the World Cup) before. We really want to make sure that you are able to perform and deliver and the administrative things that are needed must and will be provided to you, you can take my word on that.”
Delegation Leader Col. Priscilla Katoba thanked Hichilema for finding time to address the players and reassuring government’s support towards the team.
“Mr President, may I report that the players and the technical team are well equipped and ready for the tournament. We feel we will be able to deliver. We want to thank the Zambians for the support and still request them to continue rallying behind the team and be able to give them the full support that they require otherwise we appreciate everything that the government is doing for the team,” Katoba said.
“We would like to just commit ourselves that we will not disappoint you where we are. Our focus will be to get to the finals. We have been preparing for this tournament for the past one-and-half month….In short, I can say the team is ready for the tournament,” Coach Bruce Mwape said.
Captain Barbra Banda asked the President to consider empowering the Copper Queens with land that they can use to develop property as football was a short career. Hichilema took note of Banda’s concern and said land was an important tool in the development of citizens.
“PS (Sports permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe), let’s log in that so that when the team comes back and before that, we can see start our conversations and see how we can support them because if you got land without financial support how will you progress? So, we want to look at the total package so you can take that as a matter that will receive adequate attention,” Hichilema said.
Hichilema Urges Copper Queens to Remain Focussed
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the Zambia Women’s National Team to put aside negativity and focus entirely on their debut FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
With the Copper Queens four days away from facing Japan in the opening Group C match at Waikato stadium in Hamilton, Hichilema believes the Copper Queens must keep their eyes on the ball and focus on competing at the biggest football stage.
“Please remain focused, remain focused. You will hear a lot from home and elsewhere. People talk a lot when you are at the stage where you are now. A lot of people take interest in the level you are operating at right now, some (with) positive (messages) some negative but remain focused,” Hichilema said.
“Just eyes on the ball. Media, friends, anyone else will say things (but) just eyes on the ball and we know and believe that looking at the quality that you bring to the table, the scoring capabilities that we have been proud of, the teamwork from defence, we are confident that will do it.”
Speaking when he addressed the players via Microsoft Teams, the football patron urged the Bruce Mwape led technical bench to do their part and government would work on all outstanding administrative issues.
The virtual meeting was attended by Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu, Sports permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe, FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga, Copper Queens players in Hamilton and State House staff.
Hichilema said Chipolopolo’s triumph of a record seven titles at the just-ended COSAFA Cup should motivate the Copper Queens to go all the way at the 32-team tournament that is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand where Zambia is based.
“(The) good news of our Chipolopolo lifting the COSAFA Cup is wonderful and a good encouragement to you and I am sure you must take a leaf that you too must deliver. We are proud of you, we are confident of you and we will give you all the support,” Hichilema said.
“I have been briefed of a few administrative issues and I have talked to the Ministry of Finance and a number of people in the private sector to give you the full support as you work for us and represent us at the highest stage because we have never qualified (to the World Cup) before. We really want to make sure that you are able to perform and deliver and the administrative things that are needed must and will be provided to you, you can take my word on that.”
Delegation Leader Col. Priscilla Katoba thanked Hichilema for finding time to address the players and reassuring government’s support towards the team.
“Mr President, may I report that the players and the technical team are well equipped and ready for the tournament. We feel we will be able to deliver. We want to thank the Zambians for the support and still request them to continue rallying behind the team and be able to give them the full support that they require otherwise we appreciate everything that the government is doing for the team,” Katoba said.
“We would like to just commit ourselves that we will not disappoint you where we are. Our focus will be to get to the finals. We have been preparing for this tournament for the past one-and-half month….In short, I can say the team is ready for the tournament,” Coach Bruce Mwape said.
Captain Barbra Banda asked the President to consider empowering the Copper Queens with land that they can use to develop property as football was a short career. Hichilema took note of Banda’s concern and said land was an important tool in the development of citizens.
“PS (Sports permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe), let’s log in that so that when the team comes back and before that, we can see start our conversations and see how we can support them because if you got land without financial support how will you progress? So, we want to look at the total package so you can take that as a matter that will receive adequate attention,” Hichilema said.
