Zambia Gears Up for Copper Queens’ Return to the Olympics
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) recently met at the OlympAfrica Centre in Lusaka to discuss preparations for the Copper Queens’ participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This marks the second consecutive Olympic appearance for the Zambia Women’s National Football Team, following their historic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games (played in 2021).
FAZ President, Andrew Kamanga, emphasized their commitment to ensuring the team’s readiness. He acknowledged some administrative challenges related to FIFA directives but expressed confidence in the Copper Queens’ participation.
Both FAZ and NOCZ are taking a proactive approach to preparations. FAZ plans to strengthen the technical bench and arrange international friendlies and a training camp in France for the team.
NOCZ President, Alfred Foloko, echoed this seriousness and expressed gratitude for FAZ’s collaboration. He highlighted potential obstacles, including a possible FIFA ban on Zambian football due to third-party interference.
However, Foloko stressed NOCZ’s dedication to finding a solution alongside the government and FAZ to ensure athlete participation.
NOCZ pledged ongoing support for the Copper Queens. This includes utilizing existing Olympic Solidarity funding and planning pre-Olympic training camps and friendly matches in Paris.
“We are doing that together with FAZ and the government because we know that these games will need a lot in terms of logistical aspects to ensure that we prepare the team adequately for them to compete favourably,” stated Foloko.
The discussions covered various aspects of preparation, including team composition, equipment, resources, logistics, and other related concerns.
Representatives from both FAZ and NOCZ attended the meeting. The FAZ delegation included President Andrew Kamanga and General Secretary Reuben Kamanga.
The NOCZ team comprised President Alfred Foloko, Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi, Chef De Mission for Team Zambia at the Paris Games Rodrick Ndhlovu, Board Member Daisy Kopolo, and Team Zambia Games Admin for Paris Tinyiko Kamanga.
