Copper Queens Receive Government Backing At WAFCON Send-Off Luncheon
The Government has announced that it has begun clearing outstanding payments owed to the Copper Queens as part of efforts to boost morale ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe disclosed the development during a luncheon held in honour of the Copper Queens at Protea Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday.
Chileshe stated that the process of settling arrears owed to the team has already commenced, adding that the move is aimed at ensuring the players are fully motivated as they prepare for major continental competition.
The gesture forms part of broader government support toward the national women’s team as they continue their preparations for WAFCON.
“This is to motivate you that the same government that has been truthful in the past to equalise pay, is the same government that is dedicating itself to say, we want you to be motivated,” Chileshe said.
Chileshe said he had started approving payments to the players and assured the team that proof of payment would be sent to FAZ once the process was completed.
“I was officially beginning to sign off some of your payments which started this morning. I am sure as you get on your plane, by tomorrow and the other day I will send proof of payment to FAZ that we have already started the payment process. This is part of motivating the team,” he said.
He added that President Hakainde Hichilema had directed the Ministry to ensure that all money owed to players was cleared, saying the Copper Queens should concentrate on their campaign.
“The secretary to the cabinet under the guidance of President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed us to make sure that whatever we owe players be cleared. I am glad to announce that we have commenced the process. It’s important for us to motivate you,” Chileshe said.
Meanwhile, FAZ President Keith Mweemba urged the Copper Queens to approach the tournament with confidence and avoid underrating any opposition, saying the competition carries added importance as it also serves as a World Cup qualifier.
“We are confident the team is aware of the importance attached to this year’s WAFCON. It is a qualifier to the World Cup. Go and represent the country with pride. We urge you not to underrate any opponents. Let aim to finish as group winners,” Mweemba said.
Mweemba thanked government for its continued support and said the team had undergone improved preparations compared to previous WAFCON campaigns.
“It is important that the parent wants to see off the child as they go to do battle in North Africa. We have prepared this team adequately and I know that the preparations we have embarked on this time around are far much better than the previous WAFCON,” he said.
He said the Copper Queens, regarded as the golden generation of women’s football in Zambia, deserved to end their journey with a major title.
“Players already know the importance of this Africa Cup. It’s not just aiming to win it, we have to qualify the World Cup because that is where this team deserves to be as the golden generation of the Copper Queens. This team is on a mission,”Mweemba said.
