By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Zambia Under-17 women’s national team coach Carol Kanyemba has been awarded the President’s Insignia of Meritorious Achievement by President Hakainde Hichilema in recognition of her contribution to women’s football and her record of guiding the Copper Princesses to three consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups.
Kanyemba received the honour during an investiture ceremony at State House held as part of Zambia’s 62nd Independence anniversary celebrations, joining a number of distinguished sports personalities recognised for their contributions to the country.
The recognition follows a landmark achievement for the Zambia Army officer, who became the first Zambian woman coach to lead a national team to a FIFA World Cup at any age level.
She has also made history as the first coach, male or female, to guide a Zambian national team to three consecutive World Cup appearances, having led the Copper Princesses to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed the honour, recognising Kanyemba’s achievement in qualifying the team for three successive editions of the global tournament.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kanyemba expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the institutions, family members and colleagues who had supported her coaching journey.
She credited the Football Association of Zambia for giving her the opportunity to lead the team, while also recognising the Zambia Army for supporting her education and coaching development.
“First and foremost, I would like to say thank you so much to God for giving me this life, then the talent. And I would like to appreciate the Football Association for the appointment to coach this team that has resulted in the award that I was given,” Kanyemba said.
She also paid tribute to the Zambia Army, her husband, family, friends and technical team for their contribution to her journey.
However, Kanyemba reserved special praise for the players, whom she described as central to the team’s achievements.
“Most especially the main assets are the players that have been working so hard for us to be able to come this far. I’m so honoured and so blessed for the recognition, and I promise to continue working hard as a coach and continue inspiring and developing the game,” she said.
Beyond her national team responsibilities, Kanyemba serves as first assistant coach of Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club, where she continues to contribute to the development of women’s football in Zambia.
The presidential honour recognises a significant milestone in her coaching career and highlights her role in providing young Zambian players with repeated opportunities to compete at the highest level of youth international football.
