156 quotes found
"In football, you have to enjoy it when you’re playing. If you don’t enjoy it you will struggle."
"Football is all about confidence, if you’re not confident you won’t enjoy it. I enjoy the game."
"I just want to make it a habit by scoring in each game."
"Not everyone can appreciate, but people who know football will understand. Don’t follow Facebook coaches; give them the team to go and win games. A Facebook coach is just good at talking. A supporter just talks anyhow."
"Don’t stop supporting us like you have always been doing, we promise to do our level best in order not to disappoint you."
"I never dreamt of being a footballer. I used to play Netball and I was very good at it but one day my teacher told me to try and play as a football goalkeeper and that’s how my career started like a joke."
"For me, football is more than a game; it’s a way of life. We survive because of football. I feed my family through football, so I always make sure I work really hard and do my best during games"
"I am happy to be back and I am sure my experience will help Buffaloes. I know most of the players here and I will easily adapt"
"It felt so good [to score the penalty] because we normally [practice it] ; whenever we have a session, we train for it,"
"I think this was the sweetest victory we had"
"I really had so much trouble that I had to change where I would stay"
"I went for a holiday at my grandma's place. And I really cried because I wanted to stay there and enjoy my sports career. So, I had to do that. And it really helped me a lot"
"She used to play netball, and in the process I wanted to do something different from her sport. So, I began playing football and from that time, it has been my favourite sport"
"She would encourage me. She told me to focus on school but also play football because I like it. So, she understood me so well and it really gave me the zeal to keep on going"
"I think the moment I started being named in the national team, that's the time my parents stood up for me and began supporting me. My mom is now my biggest fan"
"I feel like that moment, that's where everything began"
"That's the very year we also qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. If you look at the team that qualified for the Women's World Cup, half of it came from the U17 World Cup"
"I really want to experience more, because now it's at a senior level. I'm very excited and looking forward to the World Cup"
"He called the next day. He was like 'you really adopted my spirits', and I was like, 'wow, yeah"
"It feels so great. Kennedy is my inspiration so, for me, this is so encouraging and it really gives me more hope and more courage to keep on working extra hard"
"I think we're not just physically on the field, but spiritually, in everything that we're doing, together"
"Barbra keeps pushing us, telling us 'girls, we can do this' in every word that she speaks. She says 'we' and of course, it really encourages us to say 'OK, she's not playing but obviously she's among us"
"I feel it's a very great achievement, especially for women's football"
"The development is very great and I feel everyone now is focused to say we can go further - even to those people that were doubting themselves are now encouraged"
"I’m over the moon to announce that I’ve joined Zesco Ndola Girls Football Club"
"After years away from the pitch due to injury – years that were devastating, breaking, and emotional – I’m finally back. Thanks to Zesco Ndola Girls Football Club for this opportunity"
"I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude towards my stay in New Zealand , I got injured a few days to the biggest tournament which is the World Cup. A Tournament I have always wanted to participate [in] as a young dreamer"
"The injury almost made me lose hope of ever going to play and walk nicely on both legs but the unmatched love and care in New Zealand gave me some hope"
"I have massive hope of relighting my career on the field of play within the possible time, everyone in New Zealand has been supportive and encouraging while I was out there injured. Massive thanks go to the Zambian Government, Sports Minister Mr Elvis Nkandu i really appreciate for the father figure role you played, The Football Association of Zambia, The Ministry and the people back home for the support and warm encouragement"
"Hazel is a fantastic goalkeeper. She was at this tournament for Zambia. She’s already over a year out of play. So she did not train in any club"
"She did not play any games. So for me, of course, when she’s back on the training pitch, which I hope is going to be soon, then she will be in focus for the national team"
"But it’s never possible to call up a player who was more than a year out of the game and even in training practice"
"I’m adapting to the new weather and the food here in China"
"Competition for places is high and the league is tough so I just need to work hard to keep up with the competition"
"It’s God’s time. I have been praying for this opportunity to play professional football outside Zambia for about 4-5 years and finally God has allowed it"
"I feel good to be back on the pitch"
"I feel even better about scoring two goals on my return to the Red Arrows squad. For the remaining matches, my personal target is to score 10 goals"
"I just have to push so that my team can finish the league in a good position"
"Now that I have started playing, I just have to push harder to get back to the national team"
"I still want to play professional football outside the country. After all is done and I am back on the pitch, signing for a good team outside Zambia is one of my targets"
"Red Arrows has helped to improve my performances. The coaches have been encouraging me to work hard, and before we came here, they told me to work hard, and now I am scoring goals"
"We didn’t underrate Malawi; we came into the same with one team spirit, which has carried us through to the final of the tournament"
"The game was very hard but we tried by all means to use the chances that we had to come out with the victory that we were looking for"
"I think I have tried what I am capable of doing and I think I have helped the team carry the day of today’s victory"
"I need to score some goals because I had some chances in the first half but it was just an unlucky day for me. In the next game, I will make sure I use the chances that I get"
"It was difficult to accept [Nali’s injury] but we now need to accept. There is nothing we can do. I am the one who is there so I need to prove people wrong so that they trust me that even without Hazel, we can take Zambia far"
"I want to prove people wrong, they need to trust me, I need their support,” Musonda said in an interview with FAZ Media"
"I need to have concentration, on the pitch and in training. The first game is very important. We need to work hard as a whole team"
"The preparations are going on well. As a team our target is to go past the group stage"
"It was difficult to accept at first, but now I just have to accept and prove the fans wrong to have faith in me without Hazel. I can still put the country on the map"
"The Germany game was okay, but tough I just went with a positive mind of hardwork. Now that Hazel is injured, I just need to concentrate and keep pushing my teammates"
"We need to win that game, first game is very important according to our preparations. We just need to work hard as a team"
"I want to put up an impressive performance and join a top-flight team in Spain or anywhere else and ensure people have faith in me"
"Thank you. It’s a big honour and I am very humbled. Being recognised at this level means a lot, not just for me but for my team and my country," she exclusively told"
"It shows that the work we have been doing as a group is being noticed. Also congratulations to Barbra and Racheal for making it in the best eleven"
"I think it comes down to discipline, communication and teamwork. At the back, we work as a unit. Everyone knows their role and we support each other. Personally, I always try to stay focused and read the game well and also follow the coach’s instructions"
"It’s been a very good journey. We stayed unbeaten in a very tough group, which says a lot about our progress. The biggest positive has been our unity. We play for each other and for the flag. Every player gave their all"
"All the games were tough, but I think the match against Morocco tested us the most. They are strong technically and had the home crowd behind them. I stayed focused by trusting my preparation, staying close to my teammates, and making sure our line stayed focussed"
"We believe in ourselves. Even when people doubted us before, we kept working hard. I think what sets us apart is our hunger and our unity. We don’t rely on individuals — we move as one team with one dream"
"It’s been a journey of learning and growth. I started young and had to work hard to earn my place. Being part of this national team has taught me discipline and made me stronger, both as a footballer and a person"
"Yes, like any athlete, I have had challenges sometimes with form, sometimes with injuries. But I always remind myself why I started. I have a strong support system in my family and teammates and I trust in God’s timing"
"My country inspires me. Wearing the Copper Queens jersey is something I never take for granted. I also think of young girls watching us because I want them to believe they can achieve anything if they work hard"
"Wearing the jersey means everything. It’s an honour and a duty. Every time I step on the pitch, I remember where I come from and who I am playing for. Mentally, I stay ready by focusing on the team’s goals and trusting my training"
"I take that responsibility seriously. I try to lead by example through discipline, humility and hard work. My message is to believe in yourself, stay focused and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big"
"Playing club football in Zambia has helped me understand the physical side of the game early on. It taught me to be tough and alert. Every game is different and I have learned to adapt quickly"
"Yes, I do. I am in Turkey yes but playing in a competitive league would challenge me more and help me grow as a player. It’s a dream I am working towards and I believe with consistency, that opportunity will come"
"I am focusing on my passing range, positioning and reading transitions quicker. I want to be the kind of defender who is calm under pressure, smart with decisions and reliable for my team"
"Personally, I want to keep improving with each match. As a team, our goal is to reach the final and give ourselves a chance to win it. Beyond WAFCON, we want to keep qualifying for big tournaments and showing the world what Zambia can do"
"I am very proud of Lushomo and the entire technical team is pleased with her recognition. Being named in the Team of the Group Stage is a deserved reward for her consistency, discipline and leadership in our defensive structure."
"She’s grown immensely in her role not just as a central defender, but as someone who brings calmness and balance to the team under pressure."
"Going into the knockout stage, we will rely on that same composure and tactical awareness from her. She understands the demands of matches, and we trust her to continue being a strong presence at the back. She has our full trust"
"We are ready as a team and better with a game so far this season"
"We are together, more experienced and a stronger squad of players than we were against Barcelona last season"
"We also have experience and good quality players on the team and are champions in our own country, so nothing will frighten us"
"Bayern are are a good team, but we did not mind who it was we would face. We just know we will give everything to help the team get to the next round"
"Personally, I'm enjoying my time here in Kazakhstan and am very happy with the incredible support we receive here during matches"
"The passion and belief for football in the country are massive. It's just amazing how people turn out to support us. I feel like being at home here and always happy with the kind of supporters we have"
"We have a job to do as we do not want to disappoint the fans who brought us this far. Their support means everything to us"
"We have prepared adequately for the game. I don’t see ourselves coming back with a loss. We are looking forward to winning the first leg and the second leg"
"These games are very important for us"
"I think they are good preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations, and, when you look at South Africa, they have a very good team and have qualified for the World Cup; it will be a very tough game. We are ready to perform"
"I can tell that we have a very good team, even though we lost the past few games"
"Our team is very good and there are some shuffles, new changes in the technical stuff, but we are very much ready for the game, and the technical staff is very excited for the games"
"It is a very good thing to be fair"
"They deserve the chances. We have seen some countries that have appointed their local coaches, and they have done well. So I think local coaches deserve their chances too, and also they interact with the players very well. They speak our language, which makes things easier"
"The most important thing is that we don’t stop dreaming, it’s very important for us as a nation to keep dreaming until one day we qualify for the World Cup. The World Cup qualifiers are gone, and we need to focus on the AFCON"
"Honestly, I come from a very poor family and it was very difficult for us to survive. For us to survive I was the one who was killing animals in the bush"
"Not really a poacher because a poacher is somebody with a gun, I used to hunt animals with dogs. It was very difficult to survive and I used to kill animals for the family to survive"
"That was at the age of 9, 10 to 16. I used to play football in the village. Like in the morning, I would go hunt animals and later in the afternoon I would go for training"
"I think I never paid attention so much to school. It was very difficult. You can't go to school without food, but I used to do it."
"I had a lot of teams interested in me. I had two teams in the Premier League and I met them in England and they explained how they wanted me to play"
"I had two teams from the top five in France - I also met with them. But I spoke to Gerrard and after he talked to me, I felt I had to move to Rangers"
"I believe I've made the right decision. Even if I had the options again, I'd still make the same decision. I'd still choose Rangers"
"What attracted me to Rangers was how the coach explained what he wanted from me. Gerrard talked to me like a real man. I knew he could help me in my career"
"I am really happy for the move [to Scotland]. I think it's a big move and I have made it at the right time"
"Looking where I am coming from, people can't believe that I am here today, people can't believe that now I am in Europe playing in big teams"
"When I was a kid, I was having dreams of playing for the national team and playing outside Zambia."
"When I joined this team in Chipata, everyone was laughing at me. They were laughing at my shoes, my clothes but I believed that I should be a very good example to testify the goodness of God"
"I just signed a contract for one-year loan with Sochaux in the French first division. I’ll have time to play and I hope to score a lot of goals"
"I'm happy to sign with FC Sochaux. I need to have more game time so I had to be loaned from Southampton - I thank them for understanding"
"I cannot wait to play my first game with Sochaux"
"I'm happy to sign for Hapoel Ra'anana"
"I'm now focused on Zambia's game against Ghana as that's most important"
"Football is hectic and difficult at times; they didn’t have a good season. I feel sorry for him, but he has to be mentally strong"
"He should continue working hard. He should walk with his head high for achieving great things in England. I have played in the Premier League before, and I know how tough football is that side"
"It’s up to him to decide whether to leave or not, but for now he should continue working hard. He has great potential to actually become a great striker in England"
"I am proud of what he has done. He has done exceptionally well; he should be proud of himself"
"He did even better than me, and I give credit to him for his brilliant performance. It’s not easy to play in the English Premier League; it’s a tough league"
"He’s made everyone understand the direction he wants us to be in. He’s given us the plan and the push to be more confident, he knows the quality in the room. He’s also helped us understand that we have to just do our thing, get back to the basics"
"He’s leading us based on the direction he wants us to go, and we’re heading in that direction. Slowly but steadily, we’ll get there"
"Well, it’s not even just about how the season began, pressure is always there. It will always be there"
"If you’re winning, there’s pressure for you to keep winning. If you’re not, there’s pressure to start. The most important thing is to rise above it; you don’t have to let it define you"
"We know the quality that’s in the team. It’s just about making sure we follow what the manager asks of us, sticking together, going back to the basics, and enjoying the game. That’s what Ruud tells us"
"We have to enjoy football. This is what we chose to do. We have to love and enjoy what we’re doing, knowing that we've got our backs. Following, and fighting for one another... that helps us a lot. So we don’t have to be so worried. Whether pressure is there or not, we just have to focus on every game and play our game"
"Growing up I was taught by my family that if you want to live with others, you have to learn to be responsible for your own actions because every action has consequences"
"Right now, I’m just focused on helping the team. I’m committed to the club and doing everything I can to help us get out of this situation"
"Of course, in football you never know what tomorrow holds. But I’m here, and I believe in what we’re building. That’s all that matters for me at the moment"
"It’s not really the position that we are hoping to be in…..But it is what it is"
"We have to face the reality and look at each game as it comes"
"We’re not getting ahead of ourselves and focusing on each game to determine where we will be at the end of the season .… Because if we get ahead of ourselves, we’re going to lose ourselves"
"We just have to focus on each game step by step, and, at the end of it, we’ll see where we’re at"
"He knows his body; he knows what he is supposed to do, and he’s such an inspiration. Having him around, he’s been playing at this level for a long time, and he’s still here. There’s a lot we can learn from him. He’s such an amazing guy. Outside of the pitch, he’s a great human being"
"In 2012, at the quarter final stage of the tournament, I was sent home for an incident I would love to say wasn’t entirely my fault… but my ability to accept responsibility for my actions and accept the consequences told me to take it"
"To be honest with you, part of me was shattered and wanted the team to lose, but the other part of me… told me to support the guys because 90% of them had no idea what happened the previous night"
"Some people have even forgotten how I dribbled defenders and scored cracking goals… That’s the nature of life. The most important thing is how you take yourself"
"HELL NO. Because I was never in a competition with anyone. We still link up with the guys and have fun. It’s all about respect and love"
"The competition is all in your head. Work on yourself every day and respect others"
"I still think I was the most skillful player in the team but that will be argued because I don’t have a medal to show for it."
"This is always an exciting match. There is a lot of pride and ego at stake in this match-up. Both teams claim the throne of King of Southern African football"
"This is more than just a friendly game, it's personal. Bragging rights. Trust me, no one in Zambia wants to lose to South Africa and vice versa, from the youth teams to the senior teams"
"The biggest benefit here will be confidence going into the tournament. Whoever wins here will inflict a psychological defeat on the other. It might be a friendly game but it's more than that"
"Also, this game will make and break some players. The players know this game will decide their AFCON chances. So, it will be a hotly contested game"
"We have been very inconsistent as Zambia. We haven't been at our best," added the left-footed former winger"
"I will honestly say 2 clubs stand out. Bloemfontein Celtics and Mpumalanga Black Aces. They are clubs that allowed players to express themselves and be the best they could be. Also playing under Clinton Larsen and Sammy Throughton was a blessing. They understood me and allow me to blossom"
"No. Not at all. I allowed a lot of unnecessary outside things to break my career. I did not manage myself well and I'm fully responsible for this outcome. I could have been so much better"
"I think its being crowned 2007 CAF Young African Footballer Of The Year. I can't claim the 2012 AFCON title as I did not finish the tournament"
"Yes I did make some money from football but I misused it"
"I would take care of my lifestyle and train a little harder"
"I'm the Head of Football Operations And Team Manager for Aguila Stars FC. We compete in the National League, NFD of Zambia"
"Allowance and remunerations are on the other side, what is important is good service delivery once called upon. When you get a chance of coaching the national team it’s an opportunity to render a service to the country"
"We need to raise the bar of football in our country to be respected as local coaches"
"Morale is very high with the arrival of other players based outside Zambia"
"I am particularly happy with the way the professionals have integrated with the local players, everyone is upbeat"
"I have been trying to get in touch with Moses and Andrew but their phones are on voice-mail"
"We are thankful to the football association for these high-profile games"
"All the players are looking forward to them"
"We would like to congratulate the boys for putting up a good effort considering that Roan played well"
"We hope that this is a sign of good things to come"
"There were so many stars at Nkana. Bernard Chanda, Mark Masambuko, Brighton Sinyangwe, Moses Simwala and Nelson Sapi. All those players were there so it was very difficult to break through"
"There was some political interference from the Confederation of African Football so we had to face them (Arab Contractors) in Lusaka at the Independence Stadium. Had we played at Arthur Davies, I’m sure the story would have been different. We conceded silly goals and missed a lot of chances in the first half"
"I had played in Egypt before, beating their national team in an invitation tournament and after this we thought we could do it there. We, unfortunately, couldn’t. They had the support. That ground was filled. It’s a ninety-thousand-seater stadium. When we had the ball, the entire stadium was completely silent but when they got it there was mayhem in the stadium. It psychologically affected the young players in the team"
"Although I would have loved to play in Europe, I did not have that chance but to those who have had that chance all the best to them"
"If a candidate passes away, resigns, or is disqualified before the ballot papers are printed, the party should be allowed to submit a new nominee. This ensures fairness and respects the right of parties to sponsor candidates"
"This approach balances the need for electoral continuity with the rights of political parties and the integrity of the process"
"As Zambia’s population grows, constituency delimitation must be guided by principles of equity and effective administration. This process should also link to potential amendments to Article 162 to guarantee that Constituency Development Funds are allocated fairly"
"Transparency and accountability, as outlined in Article 8, are critical. Citizens must know how new constituencies are determined and how resources are distributed"