By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 4th December 2025 

Nkandu Reassures Copper Queens as Government Moves to Clear Outstanding Payments

The Minister of Sport, Youth and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to clearing all outstanding payments owed to the Copper Queens for qualifying to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
This comes after the national team staged a training boycott during the Three Nations Tournament in Malawi in protest over unpaid allowances.

Nkandu expressed disappointment over the move, describing it as unfortunate, especially after he had personally engaged senior players to explain the situation before the team travelled.

According to the Minister, he met with Copper Queens stars Racheal Kundananji and Grace Chanda, assuring them that the Government was already mobilising funds to settle the outstanding dues.

He revealed that the boycott caught him by surprise, considering the discussions held before the team’s departure.

Government has reiterated that it remains committed to supporting women’s football, noting the Copper Queens have continued to raise the country’s flag through their WAFCON and World Cup qualification achievements.

Nkandu added that while the administrative processes take time, the payments will be settled, and he appealed for patience and continued dialogue to avoid disruptions during national assignments.

The Copper Queens are currently participating in the Three Nations Tournament alongside Zimbabwe and Malawi as part of their build-up to the 2026 WAFCON finals.