FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has urged the national Under-17 women’s team, the Copper Princesses, to stay focused on their football as the newly elected executive takes charge of off-the-pitch responsibilities.
Speaking yesterday at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport during the official welcome of the victorious team from Namibia, Mweemba who led the reception delegation, assured the back-to-back COSAFA champions that the association is fully behind them as they aim for even greater success.
“We have got a lot of trust and confidence in you, so leave administration issues in our hands. We are proud of you,” Mweemba said as he received the COSAFA trophy.
The FAZ president, who is barely a month into office, added that the young team had the potential to rise even higher and should now set their sights on the continental and global stages.
The Copper Princesses returned home draped in gold after successfully defending their COSAFA U-17 title, beating their opponents throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Zambia Under-17 girls head Coach Carol Kanyemba, who has now guided the team to two successive COSAFA triumphs, said the victory was not only a fulfilment of a promise but also a gift to the new FAZ leadership.
“As we promised when leaving, we said we are going to bring back the trophy and we have delivered,” said Kanyemba.
“This is just the beginning of greater things that we shall achieve collectively as Zambia.”
She added that the technical bench and players were already turning their focus toward preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, stressing that they are determined to raise the Zambian flag even higher on the continental and global stage.
By George Musonda
Kalemba May 20, 2025
