Sad News: Copper Queen Norin Betani Passes Away Before Ghana Match
Sad News: Copper Queen Norin Betani Passes Away Before Ghana Match
Copper Queens and Indeni Roses striker Norin Betani has passed away after a brief illness, as confirmed by both the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and her club side, Indeni Roses.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened by the death of Copper Queens and Indeni Roses striker Norin Betani,” FAZ announced.
Betani passed away on Wednesday morning at the University Teaching Hospital, where she was being treated for suspected malaria.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga explained that Betani had reported to camp while feeling unwell and was immediately taken to the hospital for examination based on the recommendation of team medics.
“We regret to announce the death of one of our female players, Norin Betani, who was in the provisional squad for the Ghana match. Betani was taken to the nearest hospital to the team camp, which is Kanyama Level One hospital. FAZ engaged the family at every stage,” Kamanga told FAZ Media.
“The patient was referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Monday and was under medical care until her demise. FAZ secretariat staff, family members, and her club (Indeni Roses) worked closely during the player’s hospitalization.”
Kamanga also mentioned that details of the funeral arrangements would be shared later, and he urged everyone in the football family to mourn Betani with dignity and respect her privacy.
The funeral is being held at her parents’ house in Garden House, Lusaka.
Betani was part of the Copper Queens’ 30-member provisional squad for the Olympics third-round qualifiers against Ghana. The first leg will be hosted by Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, February 23rd, while the second leg will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Wednesday, February 28th, with kick-off at 18h00.
The winner between Zambia and Ghana will proceed to face either Tunisia or Morocco in the last round of qualification.
