FAZ president Andrew Kamanga says it is not by accident that the Copper Queens have hit records highs due to the systematic changes the Association had put in place in 2018.

And Kamanga has described the Chipolopolo’s 2025 AFCON qualifying group as fair.

In his weekly President’s Corner, Kamanga said the association was proud that the Copper Queens had made a quick return to the Olympics after their historic debut appearance at the Tokyo 2020 games.

‘’Bienvenue à Paris! Or as we say on these ends, welcome to Paris. The sports focus is slowly shifting to Paris ahead of the Olympics that kick-off in slightly over a fortnight. The Copper Queens are just getting into France for their pre-tournament camp that will see them play two high profile friendly matches against New Zealand [and] another opponent that we will announce soon,’’ he said.

‘’We are proud that the Copper Queens have made a quick return to the Olympics after their historic debut appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Games. It has not been by accident that the Copper Queens have hit these record highs given the systematic changes we put in place in 2018. From 2018 they participated at two Women Africa Cup of Nations, qualified for two Olympics and played at the FIFA World Cup. The Copper Queens have qualified for their third Women Africa Cup of Nations which will be played in Morocco next year in June’’.

He said joint efforts from FAZ, government and the National Olympic Committee had made it easier to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic 2024 games.

‘’Given all these landmark steps made, we are working round the clock to make sure the next stage in the evolution of this team establishes them as strong contenders for any tournament they qualify for. The experience garnered in participating in the biggest global events should now give the team the motivation to strive for honours. We are happy that joint efforts from FAZ, government and the National Olympic Committee have made it easier to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In true Olympic spirit, the three organizations are paving a smooth way for all our athletes to get into the Games with maximum support,’’ Kamanga said.

And Kamanga said the Chipolopolo needed quality preparations in readiness for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

‘’On the Chipolopolo side of business, we have just learnt of our opponents for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where we will play Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Chad. It is obviously a fair draw, but what will be more important will be quality preparations. The qualifiers will take place within three months starting from September when we will be away to Ivory Coast before hosting Sierra Leone,’’ Kamanga said.

‘’Having qualified for the last edition, our plan is to sustain our presence on the biggest continental stage. Most importantly, we will be going back to more than just appear but battle for honours. A lot of players were making their debut in San Pedro and will now be looking to return to the AFCON with bigger ambitions. We urge the public to support our lads in the preparatory journey to the qualifiers’’.

Meanwhile, Kamanga said the Association was obliged to help Zambia’s representatives at the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

‘’Finally, our CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup are deep in preparations for their continental duty. They are not just representing their clubs but the entire nation. Therefore, we are obliged to help them in any way possible as they push to return our club continental reputation to the top. We have always made it clear that our national team bench experts will always be available on request to help our participants. Let us support them all the way,’’ said Kamanga.