Eden University takes charge of Women’s Leaguew

By BARNABAS ZULU 

EDEN University and the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) have entered into a historic agreement that will see the university become the official sponsor of the ZPL Women’s Super League for the next three years.

The sponsorship package, unveiled yesterday, represents a significant milestone in professionalising and commercialising of women’s football in Zambia. 

Following this signing, the name of the league will now change from the ZPL Women’s Super League to the Eden University Women’s Super League.

ZPL chairman Kephas Katongo, speaking at the event, expressed his excitement about Eden University’s involvement.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Eden University back to the Zambian Premier League, this time in a bigger and better way. This partnership is a major step forward for women’s football in Zambia, aligning with our broader goal to professionalise and commercialise the league. 

With Eden University’s support, we believe the Eden University Women’s Super League will reach new heights, attracting more fans, more sponsors, and more opportunities for our athletes,” said Katongo.

The sponsorship will run from 2024 to 2027. Eden University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alvert Ng’andu highlighted the importance of education and sport and that the university is committed to bridging the gap hence this sponsorship.

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“At Eden University, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of education, but we also recognise that sport plays a crucial role in shaping young lives. 

This sponsorship is about empowering young women through both education and sport, creating pathways to success on and off the field,” Ng’andu said.

“We are incredibly proud to support the rise of our female footballers, including stars like Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, whose achievements have put Zambian women’s football on the global map,” he added.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga called the partnership a turning point for the development of women’s football in Zambia.

“This partnership with Eden University is a game-changer. The success of the Copper Queens – who have achieved so much despite minimal resources – proves that Zambia has an abundance of untapped talent. 

With Eden University’s backing, we now have the opportunity to professionalise the Eden University Women’s Super League and take it to new heights, just as we’ve done with the men’s league. 

We hope other corporate entities will follow Eden University’s lead and invest in women’s football at all levels,” Kamanga said.

Acting Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Makozo Chikote, called the sponsorship a momentous occasion for women’s football in Zambia. 

Prior to this agreement, the ZPL Women’s Super League had no official sponsor.