Zambia: The Football Association of Zambia launches their weekly Column, and in this week’s Column, they share details of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with the result that saw them top Group H. At the same time, the Copper Queens FIFA window programme was unveiled.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) broke new ground by handing over kits and footballs to all the 18 Super League teams in the women’s Super League. The four relegated teams were also added to the roster of beneficiaries, taking the number to 22.
According to FAZ, there is so much going on in the game that sometimes it is hard not to be overly optimistic about the future. Lest we get ahead of ourselves, let us delve into the big-ticket item for the previous week: the Chipolopolo outing in Moroni. Thanks to the government for supporting the Chipolopolo, which has helped sustain the momentum for success. We also wish to pay tribute to the fans both at home and those that travelled with us to Comoros for giving the team an extra push, said FAZ.
FAZ also take cognizance of the players’ efforts and technical bench their tireless efforts to realize the target of AFCON qualification. FAZ mentioned that they are happy to conclude the campaign as table toppers, although beyond this point, making the qualification count will be more important.
In our usual prudent style, we will ensure that the Chipolopolo are adequately prepared for the Africa Cup of Nations in January. FAZ, we have directed the technical bench to draw up a programme for the AFCON preparations that will be shared with key stakeholders like the government.
A tentative programme has already been availed to the key stakeholders and is being refined. FAZ will never tire of ensuring that the teams are afforded quality preparations for international tournaments. We are conscious that the Chipolopolo have FIFA World Cup qualifiers coming up in November and have lined up friendly matches before the November matches against Congo Brazzaville and Niger.
FAZ also lined up two international friendly matches during the October FIFA window, whose details we will unveil in due course. Keeping the team fully engaged will help the technical bench maintain its competitiveness.
On the women’s side of business, the Copper Queens will be back to action after their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance with two international friendly matches against Morocco. The Copper Queens will use these matches as preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Having qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, won bronze at the Women Africa Cup of Nations and historically qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it is only normal that they aspire to make appearances at big tournaments a matter of habit.
It is not by accident that the commitment to sustaining the women’s football revolution saw the handover ten footballs, a set of jerseys and bibs to all the women’s Super League teams. This support to the Super League clubs is part of the wider efforts to fulfil club licensing requirements. With FAZ now having a fully-fledged women’s football desk, it is a perfect catalyst to spart the development of the women’s game.