The majority of the Copper Queens boycotted training a day before Sunday’s match against Malawi, demanding outstanding payments of match bonuses.

The match proceeded as scheduled, with the Copper Queens coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in Lilongwe. They found the equaliser through substitute Natasha Nanyangwe, ten minutes after Rose Kadzere had put the hosts ahead in the 58th minute.

Reacting to the boycott, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba said such behaviour would not be tolerated, stressing that national team players must show patriotism and not resort to “blackmail.”

“It’s a very, very sad reality because sometimes players will ask for money when just very close to the game as if it’s a sign of blackmail,” Mweemba said during the Football Indaba in Lusaka.

“That disease is going to the women’s team now, and for your own information, you have probably kept this away from the public, as the minister was addressing us. That’s exactly what our Copper Queens are in Malawi and just a day before the game some, some players refused to take to the field for training, and only six players went to train the day before, demanding that they should be paid,” Mweemba revealed.

“That behavior, I do not know if you, the people of Zambia want such kind of conduct with the back of football players that is alien to Zambian football going forward. It’ll not be accepted.”

Mweemba sent a strong warning to players and coaches regarding boycotting matches.

“Those who want to play for this country must be patriotic. Those who think they just want to play football and blackmail the nation because of money, I think they are on their own,” Mweemba warned.

AFCON-bound Chipolopolo Boys also warned

The FAZ president extended the warning to coaches and the men’s national team, who have a history of boycotting training due to unpaid allowances.

“Coaches, the issue of pampering players has to come to an end. All those players who want to be inciting others; we are preparing for AFCON now. We want players who are disciplined, who want to play for the badge. We want the sense of patriotism to come back into this nation.

“As leaders we shall do our part, and the government will also beg you to support us and also to do your part and continue your part. All players who are going to the national team, if they’re going there for money, as president of the Football Association of Zambia and my executive, I’m very sorry, it doesn’t matter how popular you are in the compound, we don’t need such,” Mweemba warned.

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