FAZ STAYS MUTE

…as Copper Queens sexual abuse reports escalate

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has opted to remain silent over the Copper Queens sexual abuse scandalous reports.

And Football administrator Ricky Manfunda has called on FAZ to investigate the alleged sexual harassment of the female players.

Yesterday, sports journalist Augustin Mukoka shocked Zambians with the report titled “Copper Queens: FAZ must deal with reports of sexual abuse in all girls’ national teams.”

In the report, Mukoka alleged that there are a lot of sexual abuse cases going on at all the women’s national teams - that is under-17, 20 and the senior national team.

Mukoka noted that some members of the technical bench are being cited for abuse to an extent that some players are allegedly selected not because of the competitive advantage but because of how well they have welcomed the advances by some of the coaches.

“The situation has gone on for years now. Some of the girls, I am told, attempted to bring a complaint to a named non-governmental sports organisation to help them address the situation but nothing has happened,” Mukoka said.

“At one international tournament, the situation was so bad that it nearly created a rift on the technical bench which nearly spilled into the public domain. “The player allegedly at the centre of the chaos at the said international tournament has never seen a call-up again. Her alleged conspirator on the technical bench survived. How?” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from the local football governing body were unsuccessful as no one was available to give a comment over the allegations.

Meanwhile, Manfunda has called on FAZ to investigate the alleged sexual abuse of the players.

Manfunda said the report by Mukoka has sent shivers in most Zambians like him who love the beautiful game of football.

“Since no single instance has been mentioned by the author of the post, we call upon The Football Association of Zambia to grant

Mr. Mukoka an opportunity to share what evidence he could have that would help us to deal with this issue if indeed it’s happening. These are serious matters that need serious attention.

Manfunda pleaded with Mukoka and others that may have vital information on matters of sexual abuse of the girls to willingly volunteer information that would help in bringing the "abusive" officials to book.