NOCZ STATEMENT ON THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), I would like

to wish the Women’s National Football Team a quick recovery from Coronavirus

that eventually led to their second friendly match against Chile being cancelled

on Monday 30th November 2020.

With the adverse effects of the current pandemic having been felt both globally

and locally, news of our women footballers testing positive has raised a sense of

concern not only to us as an organisation but also the sports family as a whole.

But we are hopeful and most importantly confident that our Olympic Games

bound Copper Queens will have a speedy recovery and continue with their

preparations for the games and other future engagements.

As NOCZ, we would like to remind all other athletes in the country to continue

observing guidelines that prevent the spread the coronavirus. This includes

wearing a face mask, using an alcohol based hand-sanitiser and maintaining a

social distance.

Zambia midfielder Mary Mwakapila marks Chile's Yessenia Lopez when the two sides met at Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo in Santiago on November 28, 2020. Zambia beat Chile 2-1.

"We are hopeful and most importantly confident that our Olympic Games bound Copper Queens will have a speedy recovery and continue with their preparations for the games and other future engagements."

It is also essential as athletes that you observe guidelines as provided by your

sports federations especially at this time when sports activities are beginning to

resume in various disciplines. Remember your presence is the reason the game

exists.

As NOCZ, we are committed to ensuring that you are well taken care of especially

during this pandemic.

For and on behalf of the NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF ZAMBIA (NOCZ)

Alfred Foloko

President