Zambia: Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, William Sikazwe, says the Turkish Women’s Cup has given the Copper Queens a chance to hone their skills ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
William Sikazwe, who visited the team this morning, said while the recent happenings in Turkey cast fears on the tournament, it was gratifying to see that the team has been able to participate in the annual tournament.
“We couldn’t turn down this offer (despite Turkey experiencing earthquakes in other parts of the country). This is an opportunity for the coach and the technical bench to train our girls,” Sikazwe said.
“I want to thank the authorities that gave us this invitation for us to come here; this is going to help us prepare a lot for what is coming ahead of us. We are praying that God has mercy on every one here and those who have lost their loved ones due to the devastating earthquake.”
Sikazwe called for a lot of hard work from the Copper Queens. “We need to polish up. It’s a World Cup. I want us to remain focused as we play; if we get to play the USA, take them on. This is the opportunity that God gave us to come and prepare. Remain focussed; FAZ is going to organise more friendlies for you,” Sikazwe said.
Sikazwe will cheer on the Copper Queens as they take on Uzbekistan at 10h00 at the Miracle Sports Complex in Alanya.
On the other hand, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission, Richard Griffin, says Australia stands ready to support Zambia as the Copper Queens prepare to make their debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Griffin met with FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala, his deputy Joseph Chimpampwe and Technical Director Lyson Zulu at Football House in Lusaka.
“It’s a great opportunity to promote Zambian football. We are keen to see how we can help and ensure that the event is successful,” Griffin said.
Zambia will on 24 March welcome the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy that is crisscrossing the globe by visiting Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe before landing in all nine Women’s World Cup host cities in the final weeks before the start of a tournament on 20 July.
“We are glad to receive support from you and will continue to engage you to make sure that we hold a successful event when the trophy comes to Zambia,” Kashala said.
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Zambia are in Group C alongside Spain, Costa Rica and Japan at the tournament that will run from 20 July – 20 August, 2023.1