PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged Copper Queen’s captain Barbra Banda to give a deaf ear to negative talks about her and stay focused by honing her skills.
Speaking on a video call with Banda this afternoon, President Hichilema told the striker that negative talks only come about out of jealousy and pettiness.
The Head of State described Barbra as an extraordinary young woman and sports personality, whose humble beginnings and determination have allowed her to overcome adversity and achieve remarkable milestones.
“I want to share my personal experience with you, a lot of things were said about me for years and years, sometimes that comes out of pettiness and jealousy. Stay focused, don’t listen to negative talk because it’s always there, hone in your skills. You are young and that’s an advantage,” said President Hichilema.
Banda is in Morocco ahead of the CAF Africa awards tonight where she has been nominated as CAF Africa Female Footballer of the year.
The President is hopeful that the star striker will get the award for tonight and make Zambia proud.
Banda thanked the President for having taken time out of his busy schedule to hold a virtual meeting with her ahead of the awards.
“Thank you so much Mr President we are humbled to speak to you. I promise to make you proud and our country, I always get encouraged by the support you render to us,” she said.
The President also talked to female Zambian FIFA referee Diana Chikotesha who is also representing the Zambia in Morocco with FAZ president Andrew Kamanga.
President Hichilema stated that he is proud of Diana’s achievements and wished her well in her future endeavors.
“Diana, we do follow you as well and we support you even away from home. We love you guys and keep it up,” stated President Hichilema.
And Chikotesha appreciated the President’s message stating that she will do her best to make the country even more proud.
The Head of State told the FAZ president to pass his regards to the world’s most expensive female player Racheal Kundananji.
“Pass my message to Rachael Kundananji that we are with her and the whole team and we love you. We will have some lunch or dinner with the team once you are back, I assure you guys,” promised the President.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 16, 2024
