Zambia Women’s National Team goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali will undergo knee surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand tomorrow, Zambia High Commissioner in Australia, Dr Elias Munshya has confirmed.
Nali suffered an ACL injury prior to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which kept her out of the tournament.
Dr. Munshya took to social media to confirm the development.
“This is to inform you about an important development concerning one of our own, Ms. Hazel Nali, the talented Goalkeeper of our Copper Queens.
Ms. Nali is set to undergo knee surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand tomorrow, August 16, 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. We wish her strength, courage, and a successful surgery that will pave the way for her triumphant return to the field.
As promised by the Honourable Minister of Youth, Sport, and Art, Honourable Elvis Nkandu, Ms. Nali is being treated at full government expense.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Football Association of Zambia, and the Zambians In Aotearoa Association Inc., who have been instrumental in helping facilitate the necessary arrangements. ZIAA’s support exemplifies the unity and compassion of our Zambian community abroad.” Part of the statement accessed by the ZamFoot Crew read.
Dr Munshya has further asked the general public to keep the Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper in their prayers and thoughts ahead of the surgery.
“I kindly ask all of us to keep Ms. Nali in our prayers and thoughts.
We will keep you informed as soon as the doctors update us on Ms. Nali’s surgery and progress tomorrow. Thank you for your unwavering support.”
Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
The 2022 WAFCON hero suffered a knee injury prior to the Copper Queens historical 3-2 international friendly win over Germany last month.
