The four Copper Queens players who are based in Turkey are secure, according to FOOTBALL HOUSE, following the earthquake that struck the nation.
A devastating earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives has devastated the Kahramanmaras province of Turkey.
Four players from Zambia are currently active in Turkey.
Prisca Chanda, Misozi Zulu, Margarete Belembu, and renowned goalie Hazel Natasha Nali all call Turkey home.
Additionally, for preseason with WFC BIIK-Shymkent in Turkey, defender Martha Tembo and midfielders Hellen Chanda and Ireen Lungu who represent Kazakhstan are also present.
The four players’ safety has been confirmed, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary Adrian Kashala in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the Turkish people and Syria following the tragic earthquake that hit that region. Our immediate reaction was to check with our players in that country and we have been able to establish that they are all safe,” Kashala said “they are mostly dotted around Istanbul and are away from the affected area.”
With Margaret Belemu and Misozi Zulu playing for Hakkrigucu Spor in Hakkari and Prisca Chilufya representing Fatih Karagumruk in Istanbul, goalkeeper Hazel Nali gets signed by the Istanbul-based Fatih Vatan Spor.
Kashala added that it is still too early to say whether the Turkish Cup, which is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 22, will go forward in light of the tragedy.
“We await communication of the final decision on the Turkish Women’s Cup from the organizers and the Turkish FA. For now, the priority is the safety of our players and we will keep our fingers crossed as events unfold.”
Zambia is set to play in the Turkish Cup as part of the preparations for the World Cup which takes place in July in Australia and New Zealand.
