The Zambia Football Fans Association (ZAFFA) continues to call on the government and various stakeholders to provide assistance to the association in sending more fans to New Zealand for the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The association wishes to send more fans so that the national women’s team is motivated and encouraged, even after losing their first game against Japan on Saturday, June 22.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, ZAFFA President Pastor Peter Makembo says that after sending letters of appeal, the association is waiting for a response from the government and stakeholders.
“We appealed to the corporate world in our letters to contribute what they can through the Ministry of Yourths, Sport and Art, and as for now, I haven’t received anything to move my brass band to the World Cup to support the Copper Queens,” he said.
Pastor Makembo highlighted that the Association has no resources in the coffers to travel, but he remains hopeful that stakeholders will come on board.
“My brass band is ready to go to New Zealand anytime provided that the resources are available to give our ladies full support,” Pastor Makembo said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts Permanent Secretary Chileshe Kangwa argued that both the government and some big companies have provided support for a few fans who went to cheer for the Copper Queens at the World Cup.
“Banks such as Zanaco, First National Bank (FNB), and Investrust have each supported a few fans who have now reached New Zealand,” he said.
However, Mr. Kangwa said that the ministry is not able to send a huge number of fans to the World Cup due to high costs.
“The flight tickets and accommodation are very expensive, so we would like the corporate world to come on board and provide support,” Mr. Kangwa said.
Mr. Kangwa has encouraged the Copper Queens to not lose hope but continue playing with a winning mentality, saying that the fans back home will still support them.