FAZ President Keith Mweemba Rallies Copper Queens: “We Shall Win the War”
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has delivered a powerful message of encouragement and challenge to the Copper Queens, following their 1-1 draw with Botswana at the Anew Hatfield Hotel in Pretoria.
Mweemba emphasized his deep commitment to football and belief in the potential of the women’s national team. He was accompanied by FAZ Women’s National Representative Col. Priscilla Katoba.
“I came all the way from Zambia to come and address you,” Mweemba said. “This shows how important you are to me. I’m a football person, football flows in my veins, but above that, I’ve got results in my DNA.”
The FAZ president acknowledged the team’s fearless style of play, highlighting their mental strength against even the most formidable opponents. However, he stressed the importance of consistent performance and proper application across all matches.
“You play without fear whether it’s Brazil or Germany, and that’s commendable. But every game is difficult, there are no more underdogs in football. There’s no sweet without sweat,” he said. “All departments must function like a chair, from the goalkeeper to the final third.”
Mweemba urged the team not to assume victory but to earn it on the pitch, saying, “Do not win a game of football before playing it. Never.”
He reaffirmed FAZ’s support for the technical team and their long-term vision, citing plans for decisions and committee formations at the upcoming executive committee meeting on June 7.
“You have our full support,” he assured the squad. “The program your coach shared with me, we shall support you. But remember, winning for the nation, winning for ourselves as a team, winning for the masses should be the primary principle.”
Mweemba concluded with a call for patriotism, unity, and positive energy.
“We are beginning a new chapter,” he said. “We shall support you, but do not let that be the first thing on your mind. Always play with positive energy. No negative energy. We are going to win the war.”
