Copper Queens goalkeeper, Nali, to undergo knee surgery

Copper Queens goalkeeper, Hazel Nali, is next week expected to undergo knee surgery in New Zealand.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary, Reuben Kamanga, confirmed on Monday in a press statement that Nali would be seen by New Zealand top knee surgeon, professor Bruce Twaddle for an appointment on July 22 with possible surgery done on July 26.

Kamanga said this had been made possible with the help of president of the Association of Zambians in Australia/New Zealand, Dr Munanga Mwandila, that would see Nali go under the knife earlier than the proposed India option.

“We are pleased to announce that following consultation with various stakeholders, especially in the medical field we have had Dr Munanga Mwandila who is a Zambian based in New Zealand having provided us with an alternative within New Zealand for the player to undergo further assessment and possibly surgery,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kamanga thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for committing to clearing the outstanding allowances owed to the players.

“A big thank you to the Head of State for having addressed the team and implored them to work hard. President Hichilema did commit government to clearing out outstanding obligations to the team. We are grateful to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for having fully come on board to support the Copper Queens on their international assignments,” he said.

He said the Head of State had been pivotal in the actualisation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Sports and FAZ that has incorporated remuneration for the Copper Queens for international assignments.

Nali, a pivotal player in Zambia’s maiden qualification to the World Cup will miss all the preliminary matches with the Copper Queens slated to open her campaign against Japan on Saturday.

European giants Spain and Costa Rica are the other group C opponents.

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