Four players and a coach from Zambian women’s second division club Solwezi Academy Queens have died in a road accident.
They died at 4am on Saturday when the Solwezi Academy bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident. This was before its final destination in Mpika, where they were due to face Mpika Doves.
FATAL CAR ACCIDENT
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) spokesperson Sydney Mungala confirmed the tragedy in a statement.
The drive from Solwezi to Mpika is 773KM, and the team was on the last stretch to fulfil their fixture.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has received with deep shock news of the death of four Solwezi Academy Queens players and a coach,” Mungala said.
“Solwezi Academy Queens were on their way to Mpika for a FAZ Women’s National League when their bus got involved in an accident.
“The injured players and coaches have been rushed to Mkushi General Hospital.”
This was Solwezi’s second game of the season in the FAZ women’s second division after losing their week 1 fixture 2-1 in a derby game against Kansanshi Queens.
DEEPLY SADDENED
Meanwhile, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga has sent his condolences to the club and families.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of some players and a coach who were on club duty. While it is still too early to get the full picture, we are in touch with the people on the ground to provide a detailed report,” Kamanga said.
“We will liaise with the health authorities and families on the status of the injured persons and explore the possibilities of making the burden lighter. The office of the General Secretary is working with our provincial leadership to provide the necessary support to the victims.”
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