CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year winner Barbra Banda - Photo by FAZ Media.
CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year winner Barbra Banda has thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for his support for football and sports development in Zambia.
Speaking during the State Banquet in honour of the under-17 boys and girls alongside CAF award recipients Banda and Diana Chikotesha, the Copper Queens captain said: “Your support speaks volumes about your commitment to empowering women and young people through sports, and for that, we are truly grateful. To my fellow athletes, especially the U17 Boys’ and Girls’ Team, your hard work and unity have brought pride and joy to our nation.
“As the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year, I am deeply humbled to share this moment with you all. This honour belongs not just to me but to every Zambian who believes in the power of football to unite, uplift and transform lives.”
And CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year Diana Chikotesha described Hichilema’s support to the sport as extraordinary.
“To my fellow youths in sport, let us follow the President’s advice on combining education and sport. In case of injury, I will still fall back on my education. It’s not only injuries but also age because your skill will reduce with time, so let’s invest in our education.
Speaking at the function, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga thanked Hichilema for supporting FAZ through the support to the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your government for the support extended to FAZ. We are grateful for the support that government gives to the two senior national teams in the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens,” said Kamanga.
“Mr. President, while we are happy that we continue to receive this support, we hope that the draft Memorandum of Understanding that defines this support could as a matter of urgency be signed.”
He said FAZ fronted the KoPa initiative as a prospective business venture.
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