Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji, the world’s most expensive female footballer for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Bay FC, has been enlisted in the Zambia Army.
The 23-year-old forward signed with Bay FC in February from Madrid CFF for a record €750,000 until 2027, with the option to extend for another year.
The Copper Queen’s transfer broke Chelsea FC’s record of €450,000 plus €50,000 in possible add-ons for Mayra Ramirez from Levante FC.
According to sources, the Zambia Army has enlisted the former Indeni Roses striker to secure her future in case she is forced to retire from football due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.
Kundananji is not the only Copper Queen to be recruited into the military; Magret Belemu, Ochumba Oseke, and Mary Wilombe recently graduated from the Zambia Air Force as non-commissioned officers after eight months of training.
Midfielder Susan Banda serves in the Zambia Air Force, while captain Barbra Banda and defender Agness Musesa hold Army sergeant positions.
Ireen Lungu is also a corporal in the Army, while defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba are Lance Corporals.
Army explains why they are enlisting Copper Queens
Colonel Priscilla Katoba, Zambia Army deputy director of general sports, commerce, and community services and the women’s representative on the FAZ executive committee, told BolaNews that the army has put in place deliberate policies to protect the future of Zambian women’s footballers.
“The Army command thought it wise that they should be able to appreciate the girls by recruiting them and employing them,” Katoba said. “And you know, sometimes you need to have a plan B. What is it that the girls will be able to fall on in case their career comes to a stop at a short and unpredictable time? So the Army came up with that initiative to appreciate the girls by employing them and being able to have a backup in case their careers came to an end.”
Katoba added: “And moreover, you know, women, I think it can’t; they can’t be compared to men. I think we grow older faster and what a player, a female player, can be able to fall on is only such employment that they will be able to sustain their lives after their football careers.”
Kundananji can now go through military training at a time of her convenience.
