By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it will make sure that the 23 Copper Queens players get their dues promised to them by FIFA as soon as the funds are made available.
The Copper Queens players who represented the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand are expected to pocket US$30, 000 each after exiting the competition at group stage level following two defeats to Japan and Spain before the historical win over Costa Rica.
FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said FAZ is conscious of the anxieties that the FIFA-promised US$30, 000 has caused among the soon-to-be beneficiaries.
Kamanga is hopeful that the players will use the huge allowances from FIFA wisely.
“It is our prayer that the girls will keep their feet on the ground in the face of this rare remuneration. In a small way we have exposed them to financial literacy training to help them make quality decisions on spending their money,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga noted that after competing at the World Cup, the Copper Queens will now focus on forthcoming WAFCON and Olympic qualifiers.
He confirmed that FAZ is conducting a review of the team’s FIFA World Cup experience that saw them lose two and win one match in Group C.
On the Chipolopolo boys who will commence preparations for the September 9 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros, Kamanga said, “It may be a formality match, but we will ensure that we use it to prepare for the November round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He said FAZ will also use the October FIFA window to play two international friendly matches.
Meanwhile, Kamanga has hailed soccer fans for contributing to the success of the Carling Black Label Samuel “Zoom” Ndhlovu Charity Shield which was scooped by Forest Rangers who defeated Power Dynamos 3-0 after the fans picked the starting elevens for the two sides.
“It was exciting to see fans get involved in selection as they always raise dust with selection. It was not so much the result but the thrill of having fans directly involved in a match. I believe after the Charity Shield experience fans may have a totally different perception of what it takes to pick a team for coaches. Special thanks to Zambian Breweries for having sponsored the Charity Shield and made it memorable,” Kamanga said.
