After being ruled out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to illness, Copper Queens striker Grace Chanda has broken her silence via a post on her official Facebook page.
Chanda has revealed that she was admitted to a hospital in the “last few” days.
“The last few days have been very difficult for me,” she wrote. “Having been admitted to the hospital and missing out on preparing for the tournament.”
She added: “I dreamt of playing but health comes first before anything. I would like to thank the medical team in New Zealand and Zambia who have supported me throughout this very difficult period.”
“This is very painful but I guess this is part of human life”- Chanda
Chanda said her illness can not allow her to part in the Women’s World Cup.
“I am sharing this with everyone because I believe as vice-captain, I have a duty to support the team even through the pain. My illness at the moment cannot allow me to play any further part at this tournament. This is very painful but I guess this is part of human life. I have to turn my focus on recovering and cheering the team all the way.
“As the Copper Queens, we have shown great improvements over the years….. And I have no doubt that this is the time for us to shine on the big stage like the World Cup. I have no doubt that the team will fly high, fight till their last strength to represent Zambia and get the wins.”
Chanda was the Copper Queens’ talisman at the 2022 WAFCON, captaining the side to their FIFA World Cup qualification.
She last played against Switzerland on June 30th in a 3-3 friendly match in which she scored.
