KCM, FAZ Seal Historic K10.8 Million Annual Sponsorship Deal to Boost Women's Football

03.07.2026 | Football DNA

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has secured a landmark K10.8 million annual sponsorship agreement with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) aimed at accelerating the growth of women's football in the country.

Under the agreement, KCM will provide K7.2 million annually to fund the newly introduced Zambia Football Association Cup (ZFA Cup), while K3.6 million has been allocated to the Copper Queens for brand and image rights.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ministry of Sports Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe described the partnership as a groundbreaking investment that would inspire more corporate entities to support women's football. He said KCM had once again demonstrated visionary leadership by recognising the immense potential of the women's game, adding that the sponsorship and the introduction of a national women's cup competition would transform the sport.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba also hailed the agreement, saying it marked a significant milestone for women's football in Zambia. He noted that the Copper Queens and the country's women's national teams had consistently delivered outstanding performances on the continental and global stage, including appearances at the FIFA Women's World Cup, the Olympic Games, WAFCON and FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cups.

Mweemba said the partnership went beyond supporting the senior national team, as it would also strengthen women's football at club level through the inaugural ZFA Cup. He added that the competition would, for the first time, provide female teams across all ten provinces with the opportunity to compete in a nationwide knockout tournament similar to the men's competition.

KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Mewett said the mining company had committed US$600,000 annually to support the Copper Queens, including preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the inaugural KCM–FAZ Cup. He explained that the investment aligned with KCM's broader commitment to women's empowerment through various community development and economic inclusion programmes.

On behalf of the Copper Queens, defender Margaret Belemu welcomed the sponsorship and thanked KCM for its confidence in the team. She pledged that the players would repay the support by giving their all in pursuit of success at the 2026 WAFCON.

The historic agreement was widely praised by FAZ officials and stakeholders, who described it as a major boost for the continued growth, sustainability and professionalisation of women's football in Zambia.