By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it will give the Zambia national mens team quality preparations for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for next January in Ivory Coast.
On Saturday, the Chipolopolo boys defeated 2015 African Champions Ivory Coast 3-0 to top Group H of the qualifiers with 12 points and sealed a spot at the Continental Championship which will feature 24 teams.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the Association’s aim is to keep the momentum going until the tournament in January next year.
“We have a group of players that have finally come of age and ready to announce their presence on the continent and beyond. Our duty as always will be to provide quality preparations for their assignments,” Kamanga said.
The FAZ Chief hailed government and the supporters for giving the Chipolopolo the needed motivation to inspire them to qualify for the AFCON.
And Kamanga has emphasized the need to give the World Cup bound Zambia National Womens team quality preparations for the tournament kicking off next month in Australia and New Zealand.
Zambia will compete in Group C at the FIFA World Cup alongside Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica.
“Our Copper Queens are in Germany for an international camp that will see them play three international friendly matches. This is yet another exemplification of our commitment to providing quality preparations for our teams ahead of international engagements,” Kamanga said.
The Copper Queens will play Republic of Ireland on June 22 in Dublin before facing Switzerland on June 30. They will conclude their European camp with a match against Germany on July 7 in Furth before heading to New Zealand for the FIFA World Cup,” Kamanga said.
He said the Copper Queens technical bench that has been re-enforced with a technical advisor, physical trainer, video analyst and nutritionist will no doubt be able to refine the team ahead of the World Cup that will run from July 20 to August 20.
Meanwhile, Kamanga said the third generation KoPa kit that was unveiled in Ndola has received overwhelming response with the initial consignment sold out.
Kamanga said FAZ will soon roll out the consolidated stock across the country through widespread dealerships.
“We urge the public to continue supporting this local initiative that so far stood the test of time. It was a moment of pride to see the Chipolopolo once again ride the KoPa crest with pride, Remember KoPa will be making an appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July and the AFCON next year,” Kamanga said.
