Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape has described late Indeni Roses striker Norini Betani as a promising young talent lost.

Betani, who was on his provisional squad for Friday’s 2024 Paris Olympics Women Football Tournament qualifier against Ghana, died on Wednesday morning at the University Teaching Hospital after being diagnosed with malaria in Lusaka.

Mwape expressed sadness over Betani’s untimely death as the Copper Queens arrived in Accra for the first leg of the qualifiers.

He said that the news affected the entire team, including the technical bench.

“It is actually sad, especially that we were preparing for the Ghana match in the Olympic Qualifiers. When we got the news early in the morning, all the players were very sad, even the coaching bench, because it was something that we never expected,” Mwape said.

The gaffer said Betani showed qualities of becoming one of the best players on the national team.

“I think she was a very promising player. The first time we called her, she showed that she could be one of the best players on the team.

“It is very unfortunate; I can only pass on my condolences to the family.”

Zambia is in Ghana for Friday’s 2024 Olympics qualifier against the Black Queens.

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