Maina Soko Medical Centre has honoured its women’s football team, Maina Soko Queens, following their remarkable promotion to the FAZ Lusaka Division One after a championship-winning campaign in Division Two.
The colourful awards gala celebrated a milestone for a club that has quickly established itself as one of the rising forces in Zambian women’s football. Founded in 2024 and officially affiliated to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in 2025, the Queens have achieved promotion in just their second season, finishing their Division Two campaign with an impressive record of 18 wins and two defeats from 20 league matches.
The event brought together players, coaches, management, football administrators and partners to recognise the team’s exceptional journey from a newly formed side to Division Two champions.
Guest of Honour, Maina Soko Medical Centre Commandant Brigadier General (Dr.) Levy Muchemwa, praised the team’s dedication and urged them to maintain the same level of discipline as they prepare for life in Division One.
“This is more than an awards ceremony,” Brig. Gen. Muchemwa said. “It is a celebration of commitment, resilience, teamwork and excellence. The success of this team shows that achievement is built through discipline, sacrifice and determination. You have become ambassadors of professionalism, sportsmanship and perseverance, inspiring many young girls to believe that through hard work, no dream is beyond reach.”
He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to promoting sport as a platform for physical fitness, leadership development and national unity.
Representing FAZ, Lusaka Provincial General Secretary Francis Simashela described Maina Soko Queens as a shining example of what organisation, discipline and proper management can achieve, even for a newly established club.
FAZ Women’s Representative Samantha Miyanda Ngoma congratulated the players for thriving under the pressures of competitive football despite being newcomers. She noted that several players possess the potential to earn places in Zambia’s national youth teams, including the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup pathway, before progressing to the senior Copper Queens.
The club’s new sponsors, INNORAY, also welcomed the partnership, commending Maina Soko Medical Centre for investing in women’s football and expressing confidence in the team’s future.
Deputy Director for CISM (International Military Sports Council) and UN Liaison, Lieutenant Colonel Keagan Chisoshi, applauded the institution’s investment in women’s sport, describing it as an important contribution to youth development and national progress.
“When institutions back women’s sport, we expand opportunity,” he said. “It keeps girls engaged in constructive, health-promoting activity, encourages participation in a game traditionally dominated by men, and builds confidence and leadership. Disciplined, confident young women are a catalyst for a stronger, more prosperous Zambia.”
The evening also celebrated individual excellence, with prolific striker Precious “Bally” Chilandu emerging as the biggest winner after claiming both the Golden Boot award with 19 league goals and the Player of the Season accolade.
Other honours presented included the Golden Gloves, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Most Disciplined Player, Most Consistent Player, medals for players and the technical bench, as well as special citations recognising outstanding commitment and service throughout the promotion-winning campaign.
The celebrations concluded with optimism as the team now turns its attention to competing in the FAZ Lusaka Division One.
For Maina Soko Medical Centre, the success of the Queens represents more than football. It reflects a long-term commitment to developing disciplined, confident and responsible young women who can make meaningful contributions both on the pitch and in society.