Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the Copper Queens to remain focused ahead of their debut FIFA World Women’s Cup.
Hichilema reaffirmed his government’s support for the team in a video call with the Copper Queens today.
“On behalf of the 20 million Zambians, I would like to congratulate you for qualifying for the World Cup.” Secondly, we are proud of you, we are confident of you, and we will give you all the support we can.
The President assured the team that his administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the administrative things are provided.
“I have already talked to the Ministry of Finance, and I am also talking to a couple of guys in the corporate sector to make sure that we give you the full support as you work for us Zambians, as you represent us at the highest stage…… Because we have never qualified before, and you are the first ones, so we really want to make sure that you are able to perform and deliver. And the administrative things that are needed must be provided to you, and you can take my word on that.”
“Remain focused” – Hichilema
The Hichilema told the girls to remain focused and ignore things that may distract them.
“Remain focused; you will hear a lot from elsewhere. People talk a lot when you are at the stage where you are now. A lot of people take interest, some positive, some negative, and remain focused.
“Just eyes on the ball… The media will say things, friends will say things, anyone else will say things, just eyes on the ball.”
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Meanwhile, team captain Barbra Banda thanked the president for his support and for taking on the financial burden of injured goalkeeper Hazel Nali.
“Thank you Mr President through the Minister of Sports for allowing our friend Hazel Nali to stay with us at this World Cup. This is a massive boast moral for us all in the team.”
The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside, Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica. They will kick off their campaign against Japan on 22nd July 2022.
