Zambia Women’s national team player, Norin Betani, has been confirmed dead ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying first leg match against the Black Queens of Ghana on Friday.
According to reports, Betani passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, following a short sickness at the hospital.
In a statement, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), confirmed the shocking news.
“We regret to announce the death of one of our female players, Norin Betani, who was in the provisional squad for the Ghana match,” Kamanga said. “Betani was taken to the nearest hospital to the team camp, which is Kanyama Level One hospital, and FAZ engaged the family at every stage,” part of the statement read.
“The patient was referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Monday and was under medical care until her demise. FAZ secretariat staff, family members, and her club (Indeni Roses) worked closely during the player’s hospitalization,” it added.
The 24-year-old striker was named in Zambia’s provisional squad for the game against Ghana by head coach Bruce Mwape.
Coach Mwape in an interview explained how the devastating the news has been to the team.
“In fact, when we heard the news early in the morning, all the players were very sad because it was something that we never expected,” he said.
The 64-year-old added that “Looking at her, I think she was a very promising player. The first time when we called her, she was glad and she could be one of the best players in the team. It is very unfortunate and all i can say is that my condolences to the family.”
The Copper Queens arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, to continue their preparation for the game on Friday.
