…Excellent performance elates government
The Zambia Under-17 women’s national team players have been rewarded with K5,000 each in winning bonuses by the government following Saturday’s resounding 3-1 victory over Morocco in the first leg of the final round of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
A hat trick by striker Namute Chileshe steered the Carol Kanyemba-coached Copper Princesses to an important victory over Morocco, edging them a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic.
The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has rewarded the team with a K5,000 each as a winning bonus to motivate them ahead of the crucial return leg encounter in Morocco next Sunday.
Speaking to the team following Saturday’s emphatic victory, Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu said the government was elated with the team’s performance and backed the girls to beat Morocco in the return leg to book their place at the World Cup.
“We are very grateful that amidst all the challenges that we are going through, there is something that can make us smile, and you girls have done just that,” Nkandu said.
“On behalf of the President, who is the patron, we are very excited as a country that you are able to make us smile, and we believe in you; we believe that even in Morocco, you will still go and take the day.”
The Minister also encouraged the girls to remain dedicated and emulate exemplary figures such as the Copper Queens captain Barbara in their quest to become professional footballers.
“Talent is the most well-paying job on earth. Talent can help you get out of poverty. Talent can give you a job, so what you are doing is not child’s play; this is a job,” he encouraged them. “Continue working hard, and the sky may not be the limit; tomorrow, you may find yourself in the USA joining the Barbara Bandas, but it has to come with hard work, discipline, perseverance, and determination.”
Meanwhile, team captain and attacker Blessings Zangose Zulu urged the government to continue rendering its support to the Copper Princesses and promised to put in another outstanding performance in Morocco on Sunday.
“Continue supporting and encouraging us. On my side and my teammates’ side, we can promise that we will deliver a good result again in Morocco,” she said.
The Copper Princesses only need to avoid defeat when they go up against Morocco in Casablanca on Sunday to seal Zambia’s second Women’s World Cup qualification at Under-17 level. Zambia last played in the 2014 edition in Costa Rica.
