FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised Zambia’s football icons, Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, calling them the country’s finest ambassadors on the global stage.
Paying a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House yesterday, Infantino highlighted the impressive skill and talent displayed by the two Copper Queens who are based in the US, underscoring how Zambian football has gained significant prominence in recent years.
He pointed to the Copper Queens’ notable achievements, including their qualification for the 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and their current bid for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Having the two most expensive players, Barbra and Rachael, puts Zambia right at the heart of the global landscape of football. As for me, football is the most important thing in the world, so Zambia is at the middle of the most important thing,” said Infantino.
Infantino emphasised that Kundananji and Banda’s status as the world’s most expensive female players has positioned Zambia as a focal point in international football.
He also urged the Zambian government to foster interest in football among young people by constructing more sports facilities and encouraging the youth to emulate these trailblazing players.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, expressed gratitude to Infantino and FIFA for their ongoing efforts to promote quality football in Zambia through infrastructural development.
Nkandu noted that continued support would benefit current athletes and inspire future generations to engage in sports, particularly football.
“Football has played a pivotal role in shaping our children, helping them become exemplary citizens, and fostering a healthy, caring, united, and loving society that we all aspire to,” said Nkandu.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba June 14, 2024
