National teams’ success boost to Zambia’s international presence-Kamanga
By Cecilia Nayame
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says the recent success of respective national teams in various competitions has strengthened the association’s efforts in sustaining the country’s participation at many international competitions.
And FAZ presidential candidate Keith Mweemba says time has come for Zambia to reclaim its rightful place on the global stage following the Under-17 men’s and women’s national teams’ qualification to the World Cup.
In his congratulation message to the Under-17 women’s national team, Kamanga said the teams’ qualification to the World Cup resonated with the association’s 2025 targets for all the national teams.
Both the Zambia Under-17 men’s and women’s national teams have qualified to the 2025 World Cup Championship set for Morocco in November and December respectively.
“In 2024, all our national teams qualified for CAF [Confederation of African Football] events and 2025 was about targeting to qualify for the World Cups and winning trophies and so far, we are on course with the under-17 boys and girls qualifying to the World Cup,” he said.
He commended the Carol Kanyemba-led technical bench for its input in ensuring that the team recorded a back- to -back FIFA World Cup qualification.
“On behalf of FAZ and the entire football fraternity, I would like to congratulate the Zambia Under-17 women’s national team for qualifying to the World Cup and for doing it in style.
“Thank you to the Zambian football community for supporting our national teams, the FAZ secretariat staff as well as clubs for being part of this success,” he said.
Mweemba said the team’s qualification to the World Cup underlined the immense potential the nation had within the junior teams.
“It’s a call to action, to invest more, to support more and to create lasting opportunities for our male and female players, coaches and referees,” Mweemba said this in his congratulatory message to the Under-17 women’s team on their qualification to the World Cup.
He said after assuming office, his administration would remain committed to implementing a women’s football development plan that would focus on the grassroots and league expansion.
“Congratulations once again to the team and the technical bench. They have made our nation proud, inspired a new generation of champions…together, we will revolutionise women’s football and together we will rise,” he said.
Mweemba said the win against Benin was a true testament of the players’ talent, hard work and the unyielding spirit.
Adrian Kashala, another FAZ presidential aspirant, urged the team to continue working hard as they continue with preparations for the World Cup.
He said the team’s success was a reflection of what was possible with heavy investment in youth football.
“It is with great pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our gallant Under-17 women’s national team for qualifying to the FIFA World Cup finals for the second consecutive time.
“Your remarkable achievement is a true testament to your hard work, resilience, discipline and the fighting spirit that defines Zambian football. You have once again lifted the nation’s flag high and inspired many young girls across the country by believing in your dreams,” Kashala said.
The Copper Princesses join their under-17 male counterparts in securing a place the FIFA World Cup.
In 2024, the under-17 women qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the Dominican Republic while the Copper Queens recorded a back-to-back Olympic appearance after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The under-20 men’s team is currently in Egypt where they are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is a qualifier for the Chile 2025 FIFA World Cup.
