Zambia Army: A Key Player in the Success of Women’s Soccer

Zambia Army: A Key Player in the Success of Women’s Soccer

Carol Kanyemba’s leadership of the Zambia women’s Under-17 national team to the FIFA World Cup is a shining example of the Zambia Army’s contributions to the country’s success.

Zambia secured their spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by defeating Morocco 3-1 on aggregate, with a crucial 0-0 draw in Morocco over the weekend.

Namute Chileshe, a rising star, scored a hat trick in the first leg, showcasing Kanyemba’s tactical prowess. This qualification marks Zambia’s first in a decade and only the second in history.

Zambia now joins other qualified teams such as Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Kenya, England, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, Nigeria, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, and the United States of America in the U-17 finals, scheduled from October 16 to November 3.

In a season where women’s football is gaining momentum, the Zambia Army has been a driving force. Besides Kanyemba’s historic achievement as the first female coach to lead a national soccer team to such success, other female soldiers have also excelled, much to the pride of Zambia Army Commander Sitali Alibuzwi.

Players like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji have been exemplary, leading the Copper Queens to success in the African Women’s Cup (WAFCON), the Olympic Games (twice), and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi has supported these achievements by promoting deserving members of the Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club.

At the heart of the women’s national team’s success is Priscilla Katoba, a true leader. As the first female representative on the FAZ executive committee, Colonel Katoba has shown both administrative skill and a deep passion for women’s football.

Under her leadership, the Copper Queens secured a bronze at WAFCON, qualifying them for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Colonel Katoba also led the Copper Queens to their inaugural Olympics qualification in Japan. Her tenure has seen Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club remain unbeaten for over eight years, leading to their participation in the Cosafa CAF club championships.

Moreover, Colonel Katoba is one of the women football administrators who own football academies. Her academy, like Kanyemba’s, has made significant contributions to Zambian football.

The achievements of Kanyemba, Colonel Katoba, and others have solidified the Zambia Army’s reputation as the People’s Army, bringing pride to Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi, a former multi-talented athlete and football manager himself.