MWEEMBA RALLIES COPPER QUEENS AHEAD OF WAFCON MISSION

22.06.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

FAZ president calls for unity, discipline and patriotism as Zambia heads to Morocco

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has issued a passionate rallying call to the Copper Queens as they prepare to represent the nation at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking during the official send-off ceremony held at Tecla Hotel, Mweemba urged the team to embrace the tournament with unity, unwavering patriotism, and a resolute desire to win.

"We Are Not Just Participants"

“We are going to the African Cup of Nations not just to be participants but to win,” Mweemba declared. “Everything centers on preparation, the mindset and the mental strength. All those things are very important.”

He reminded the team of the sacrifices made by the government and the importance of national pride. “For this trip to even happen, the government had to go out of the way to support us. I think it would be unfair to take anything for granted and not appreciate what the government has done.”

Discipline, Unity and Positive Energy

Mweemba emphasized that discipline and teamwork will be key pillars to success, stating: “There must be unity, there must be no confusion in camp whatsoever, no negative energy. Everybody has to be in a positive mind, then we shall be champions.”

He also issued a firm warning regarding external distractions, particularly unauthorised contact with football agents. “Let me be clear, no agents in camp. If you are an agent, watch the players on the field. No secret room visits, no backdoor negotiations. Our players must focus on winning the African Cup of Nations.”

Team Before Self

The FAZ president encouraged players to value collective success over individual accolades. “If Barbra Banda has scored, or Racheal Kundananji has scored, or Esther Siamfuko, the team has scored. It’s not about personal glory, it’s about Zambia.”

He added: “If I am not in a position to score, I pass the ball. The team scores.”

Chasing a Legacy

Mweemba closed his address with an emotional appeal, reminding the squad of the opportunity to etch their names into national history.

“It will be very painful to go into retirement with no silverware, knowing you had the best opportunity to win for your country. If this team plays as one unit, you will see the people of Zambia at the airport when you return with the trophy,” he said, invoking the memory of Zambia’s historic 2012 AFCON triumph.

Group A Fixtures

The Copper Queens begin their WAFCON campaign with a tricky opener against hosts Morocco on Saturday, 5 July at the state-of-the-art Olympic Stadium in Rabat. They will face Senegal on 9 July at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, before concluding their Group A fixtures against DR Congo at the same venue on 12 July.