FAZ President Andrew Kamanga visited Copper Queens vice-captain Grace Chanda in Hamilton, New Zealand on Saturday morning to offer his support as she recovers from an illness.
Chanda was unable to participate in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after falling ill a few days before the start of the tournament.
“We wish you nothing but all the best,” Kamanga said. “It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t play the tournament, but you know in life, we should always know that things happen for a reason. So we just came to encourage you. It’s been difficult and it is a sort of situation where people couldn’t see you other than the medical staff.”
Kamanga said that Chanda remained a key component of the Copper Queens set up and her role would be vital in the upcoming national assignments post the 2023 World Cup.
“Get better,” Kamanga said. “This is your team, you will always be there. We just wanted to come and give you our word of encouragement. In fact, there is more work and after this (World Cup), we have the Olympic qualifiers and Africa Cup qualifiers so it’s not the end of the world, all these things will start and you have to be there.”
Chanda, a 2022 CAF Women’s Player of the Year finalist, thanked Kamanga and FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga for their visit and said she was determined to return to action for the Copper Queens.
“I will be back,” she said. “Thank you so much sir, I appreciate.”
The visit by Kamanga and the FAZ officials was a show of support for Chanda and the Copper Queens as they continue to recover from their disappointing showing at the World Cup.
