Carol Kanyemba Hails Team Spirit, Divine Guidance After Zambia Clinches COSAFA U17 Cup
Zambia’s U17 women’s national team has once again etched their name in the history books by clinching the COSAFA U17 Championship title, and team coach Carol Kanyemba has praised God, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), and the players for the hard-fought triumph.
Speaking after the team’s triumphant return from Namibia, Kanyemba expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support and belief that powered the team to retain their regional crown.
“Firstly, I would like to say thanks to God who makes things all possible for us,” Kanyemba said. “Secondly, I want to appreciate the association for sending us forth to go to COSAFA and bring back our trophy. As we promised before leaving, we said we would bring it back, and we have delivered.”
The title marks a significant milestone not only for the team but also for the newly elected executive at FAZ, who Kanyemba described as receiving a “welcome gift” in the form of this victory.
She further commended the players and technical bench for their unity, dedication, and determination throughout the tournament, calling the success “the beginning of greater things that we shall achieve collectively as Zambia.”
Kanyemba highlighted the importance of building on this momentum as the team begins preparations for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, emphasizing the need for solid planning to compete at both continental and global levels.
“As we begin our preparations for the World Cup, we look forward to good preparations so we can have a good outing and also make a mark at African and World Cup level,” she said.
Reflecting on the journey, Kanyemba acknowledged the challenges faced along the way but credited the team’s commitment and divine guidance for their ultimate success.
“It wasn’t an easy journey, but with the help of the Lord, the unity displayed by the team, and the commitment that the players showed, here we are.”
She closed by expressing personal gratitude to FAZ President Andrew Kamanga for entrusting her to represent the nation in Namibia.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for sending me to represent the nation. And here we are, back home with the trophy.”
Zambia’s back-to-back COSAFA U17 triumph is a testament to the growing strength of women’s football in the country and signals promising times ahead on the continental and world stages.
