The Zambia Women`s Netball team had quite a tight encounter where they emerged champions when they played their final match against Namibia in the 2023 Africa Netball Cup that culminated in an exhilarating way in Botswana.
The match that went into extra time after the four quarters ended 57 – 55 made fans go wild in Jubilation.
Zambian Coach Lazarus Tembo expressed sentiments over him being the youngest Coach in African Netball to attain this at only 27 years old.
“It was not an easy one the final went all the way to double extra time, I think it means a lot for us and for our fans back home. I think it means so much this is not a small achievement, I have been in charge since March this year, I think this is a biggest achievement no coach has done this in Zambia. It means a lot to me.”
Team Captain Beauty Nakazwe got the best Shooter award and Elizabeth Bwalya got best mid Court and acknowledgement to the rest of team for wining a tight match.
“It feels good and we are grateful that we are the champions, the game was not easy very competitive. We thank God we’ve have won this Championship. It’s a great achievement to win this African Championship,” said Beauty Nakazwe
The entourage later arrived in the country at the Zambia Airforce Base who also offered support in flying the team to the tournament and headed for a briefing at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.
The Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe in the company of Senior Government officials and representatives from Atlas Mara and Vedanta where Present at the event.
He commended the team for their performance despite the competition which they encountered in emerging Champions.
“It’s a great moment for me to receive this trophy won in netball. It is my sincere belief that what you have achieved will inspire those who are yet to compete in other sports disciplines or categories. As a country this is the first time we are winning the African title. The trophy you have brought is a great honor to our country and we are very proud of you all.
You see you have made history today and as a ministry you must understand that we have a competition of resources by various sports association and federations. Football, Volley ball, hand ball and net ball. There times that you make certain achievement and you don’t have to ask people to do things just your achievement makes a demand.
Never forget that this ministry has been there for you bought tickets for you played a role in the success that you are enjoying today so we want to continue to do that. Netball team you have now put yourself in a special class and special category. I think that I am very convinced through my Minister Hon. Elvis Nkandu that our players and technical teams shall be awarded and rewarded accordingly for this great achievement that you have achieved. Our President who declared that there no minor and major sports in Zambia. So, we shall reward and appreciate this great gesture this honor that you have brought to our country.” Said Mr Chileshe.
An expression of equity in sports despite of the many accolades others have gotten its fair play. Zambia netball President Martha Sichone also expressed her views with tenacity.
“PS I just want to thank you and our team for receiving us in this manner and also would like to thank our sponsors Atlas Mara, Vedanta, NOC that really helped the team to go to Botswana and back, of course our government through ZAF that chartered a plane for us. We are here today because we put our heads together and we have achieved this milestone that no one has ever achieved.
Myself and my executive, I think we work tirelessly to achieve this and with the support of our technical team and of course our vibrate girls they did us wonders and here we are today we are celebrating as Champions of Africa.”
Good team spirit, discipline and joy are major drivers to attaining greatness!
