The Zambia former Women footballers (FWF) and the Ladies in Art (LIA) came together on Saturday afternoon to shine their light on female inmates at the Lusaka Central Prison popularly known as Chimbokaila.
The two groups thought it wise to support and inspire the female inmates as part of their post-African freedom day celebration.
The two groups together with several well-wishers like Mushe Milling and Musa biscuits donated assorted foodstuffs and hygiene products to the female inmates in a bid to encourage them and show them support.
Former Women footballers secretary, Kape Mellisa Saili said the initiative will be made into a quarterly event.
“We decided to come together and show them a good time. The Ladies in Art did some sketches and we played some football as footballers, they said we made their day because they have not had something like this,” she said.
“We had some other people who came on board like Mushe Milling who donated some bags of mealie meal and Musa biscuits who came through and fed the 150 inmates and also donated some food products and hygiene products, sanitary pads, diapers, toothpaste, bathing soaps, and some washing soap as well.”
“We have agreed that it will be doing this quarterly, so every three months this is an undertaking that we will be doing.”
The Former Women Footballers also called upon FAZ Women’s national Representative Col Priscilla Katoba to be part of their day.
Col Katoba was elated by the gesture and went on to donate a set of football Jerseys and three balls to the Former Women footballers.
Katoba reminded the former Women footballers of their role model status to young female players.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and its president, Andrew Kamanga have put importance on Women’s football as it continues to grow.
“Where Women are working together there is progress and nothing can break us. I was so excited when the former Women’s footballers invited me to be part of the noble cause of donating to Chimbokaila Prison female inmates,” Col Katoba said.
“Even when they are inside they should know that we love them. You (former Women footballers) are role models and it’s practical for young female footballers to see and follow in your footsteps.”
After donating and spending time with the female inmates, the Ladies in Art and the Former Women footballers faced off in a social match at Queensmead ground that saw the former Women footballers carry the day, 6-4.
