Zambia: Football Association of Zambia welcomes to their week’s column that comes on the backdrop of some exciting season-closing action in the Women’s Super League, and the MTN Super League draws closer to the end.
It also had under-17 boys eliminated from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. It was particularly painful for the under-17 lads as they showed some strong mentality to overcome table toppers in Morocco. Unfortunately, the best chance of qualifying lay in having done better in the first two fixtures.
However, for developmental teams winning is not the only focus as they must give them a more rounded developmental trajectory. There is enough positivity in the team that can work with going forward. There are a few more international opportunities for junior teams, which will be rolled out as the year progresses.
We will still have our junior teams participate in high-level youth tournaments like the Croatia Invitational and the Georgia UEFA Youth Tournament. Part of the progress seen in some of the players in that project is a result of exposure they got in those youth tournaments at the under-15 level. We are also not relenting in upskilling coaches for our various national teams, said FAZ.
Further, FAZ stated, it leveraging our Memorandum of Understanding with our Moroccan her, FAZ stated counterparts we are sending under-17 coach Ian Bakala to Morocco for a CAF A licence course that commences this week. Coach Bakala will be on that program with Green Buffaloe’s trainer Masautso Tembo who is already in that country. This is on top of the other two slots for the CAF Pro License, where we will send Wedson Nyirenda and Copper Queens gaffer Bruce Mwape.
There is no substitute for knowledge in coaching, especially with fast changing dynamics propelled by technology. To widen the beneficiary pool, we remain on course to set up the coaching school through our Memorandum of Understanding with the Croatia Football Federation, said FAZ.
Back to the Women’s Super League that saw defending champions, Green Buffaloes, retain their crown on the final day of the season. Green Buffaloes pipped Red Arrows to the title with a point difference. We salute Green Buffaloes, who also double as Cosafa Club Women’s Champions League winners.
FAZ also congratulated the team and technical staff for this achievement. There was also a fierce sideshow for the top scorer, which saw the winner net 28 goals. With the league coming to a close, it provides a window to plan better for next season. In the background, we are courting prospective sponsors that we hope can finally come on stream at the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
The conclusion of the season will help the national team prepare better for the FIFA World Cup. A local camp that will comprise local and foreign-based players will commence on June 3. That will kick start activities that will culminate into an international camp in Germany preceding the tournament, which will see Zambia play three high-profile international friendly matches before heading to New Zealand.
Moreover, the MTN Super League is drawing to a close, with the action fierce on both ends of the table. Regrettably, some of the scenes they have seen at Stadia belong to the stone age and should be ridden at all costs.
FAZ also urge the clubs to ensure that they, at the barest minimum, guarantee the safety of not just the players but everyone at Stadia. They also said that they are expecting the judicial bodies will meet stiffer punishments to the erring clubs to send a strong message. Also, expect that there will be fair play as they wind down the season to ensure that their league retains its status as one of the best on the continent.