Zambia: FAZ President Andrew Kamanga visited Copper Queen’s vice-captain Grace Chanda on Saturday morning, recovering from an illness in New Zealand’s Hamilton.
Chanda missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, after falling ill a few days before the start of the biggest women’s football competition in the world.
“We wish you nothing but all the best, it’s unfortunate that you couldn’t play in the tournament, but you know, in life, we should always know that things happen for a reason, so we just came to encourage you; it’s been difficult, and it is a sort of situation where people couldn’t see you other than the medical staff,” Kamanga said.
“We are with you throughout in our prayers. Even as we go back home, we will still be there to support you. Anything you need, we are here to help. We can only wish you nothing but the best. So know that we are always with you and there for you, and we must continue supporting you.”
Kamanga said Chanda remained a key component of the Copper Queens set up, and her role will be vital in the upcoming national assignments post the 2023 World Cup.
“Get better, and this is your team; you will always be there. We just wanted to come and give you our word of encouragement. In fact, there is more work, and after this (World Cup), we have the Olympic qualifiers and Africa Cup qualifiers, so it’s not the end of the world; all these things will start, and you have to be there,” Kamanga said.
“I will be back,” said the 2022 CAF Women’s Player of the Year finalist as she saw off her visitors, who included Kamanga and FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga. “Thank you so much, sir, I appreciate it.”