President’s Reflection: Moving Forward After Copper Queens’ World Cup Journey
President’s Reflection: Moving Forward After Copper Queens’ World Cup Journey
Greetings to all enthusiasts of the beautiful game. As we wrap up our time in New Zealand, let me share a glimpse of our experiences. “Kia Ora” is one of the many interactions we’ve enjoyed with the natives of this wonderful country. Reflecting on the 2023 FIFA World Cup, we bid farewell to the Copper Queens after their triumphant victory over Costa Rica, ending our journey on a high note. Our focus now shifts to reviewing the tournament and drawing insights for the future.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Copper Queens made their debut at the FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for our nation. Their journey to this global stage is commendable, and it’s crucial not to overlook this achievement. As debutants, a scorecard of two losses and a victory is a testament to their progress. While facing formidable opponents like Spain and Japan, who stand ahead in terms of experience, we have a foundation to build upon. Our qualification to consecutive Women Africa Cup of Nations and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games preceding this monumental feat demonstrates the rising trajectory of Zambian women’s football.
While celebrating these accomplishments, we are aware that there is always room for improvement. We acknowledge the areas that could have been handled better and commit to addressing them through internal and external collaboration. The Copper Queens now look forward to reinvigorating their focus on upcoming challenges like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic qualifiers. This period will herald a new phase in the journey of the Copper Queens, as they aim to continue raising the bar.
Beyond the women’s game, our attention shifts to the Chipolopolo, who are set to conclude their Group H AFCON qualifying fixture against Comoros next month. This marks another stepping stone in our journey of preparation for the tournament we’ve already qualified for. The comprehensive program laid out by the Avram Grant-led technical bench encompasses not just AFCON, but also FIFA World Cup preparations. The roadmap and budget for AFCON have been discussed with the government, emphasizing our commitment to meticulous preparation.
Quality preparations remain our utmost priority. We are driven by the goal of ensuring our players are fully equipped for the challenges ahead. As we look forward to the World Cup qualifiers, our focus on raising standards and attaining excellence remains unwavering.
Turning to domestic matters, the Charity Shield awaits us this weekend in Ndola. The match between Power Dynamos and ABSA Cup champions Forest Rangers will set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Safety and security in stadiums, aligned with the stringent standards set by CAF and FIFA, remain paramount. Our league’s standards should mirror the high expectations placed upon us.
As we navigate these paths, let us forge ahead with determination, resilience, and a commitment to elevating Zambian football on both local and global stages. Wishing everyone a productive week ahead.
