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Rachel Kundananji, a Copper Queen striker who plays for Bayside FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has joined a growing list of wealthy Zambian footballers who are giving back to the community.
Kundananji, who broke the women’s football world record when she joined Bayern FC in February for a transfer fee of £625,000, has set up the Rachel Kundananji Legacy Foundation (RKF), which is dedicated to using the beautiful game of football as a catalyst for positive change.
Kundananji hopes that through the Legacy Foundation, she can inspire and support other young girls to pursue their soccer dreams. She credits coach Wisdom Kaira for influencing her career with simple advice to avoid being rude during soccer games.
The Copper Queens striker, who became the world’s most expensive female soccer player in history when she moved from Spanish club Real Madrid to Bayer FC for $860,000, thanked Kayla for his guidance and mentorship, saying his advice helped her become the player she is today.
Kundananji has experienced the benefits of soccer firsthand and hopes to give young players a chance to excel by giving them the equipment she never had.
The establishment of RKF marks a milestone and an important step towards empowering youth and enthusiasts through skill development, mentorship and community engagement.
Speaking at the launch of the RKF at the Olympic Development Centre in Lusaka today, Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu said what Rachel Kundananji and her team have achieved is exemplary. “We need successful athletes to give back to our communities and the country as a whole.”
“My ministry is pleased to note that the foundation will work with local authorities to improve football facilities through safe pitches, changing rooms and coaching centres. Our goal must be to create spaces where dreams can fly,” Nkandu said in a speech read out for him by Permanent Secretary Chileshe Kangwa.
Nkandu noted that the government had recently devolved community sports to local authorities across the country and provided corresponding resources. “As a government, we welcome such initiatives which not only supplement existing resources but are a true reflection of the desire of outstanding people in the sporting community to see others succeed,” he said.
Bernadette Deka-Zulu, Co-founder and Global Head of RKF, said the launch is the beginning of a movement to empower young girls in Zambia and around the world through sports, especially the beautiful game of football.
“For us at the Foundation, football is more than just a sport; it is a vehicle for change, a catalyst for growth, and a beacon of hope for many young girls with dreams. This is a testament to our founder, whose journey was filled with dreams and hopes that have come true,” said Deka-Zulu.
She said RKF’s mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every girl, no matter where she comes from, has the opportunity to play, learn and grow through soccer.
“For us, every kick of football represents an opportunity for growth, resilience and transformation. The Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation is dedicated to providing mentorship and opportunities to young girls who dream of following in Racheal’s footsteps,” she said.
Deka-Zulu added that RKF’s programmes will focus on grassroots development, coaching clinics and scholarships, ensuring that every girl knows the world of football is open to her.
“Our goal is to create a world where every girl has equal access to football, fostering resilience, teamwork and personal growth. We believe in the power of dreams and the potential of every girl,” she said.
Zambia Army Deputy Director General Sports, Business and Community Services Colonel Priscilla Katawba said that because Rachel’s success extends far beyond the soccer field, the establishment of the foundation will inspire young girls across Zambia to follow their passions, break barriers and strive for excellence.
She said: “Rachel’s experience reminds us that hard work, determination and unwavering commitment can propel us to unimaginable heights.”
Col. Katawba in a speech read by the Director of Sports, Col. David Lungu, said RKF went beyond boundaries and ignited hope in the hearts of the young generation in the country.
She noted that Rachel’s journey from the sparse pitches of Zambia’s Copperbelt province to becoming one of the finest female footballers was extraordinary.
She said: “As Rachel and her co-founder and work partner Bernadette Deka-Zulu embark on a new chapter of humanitarian work, they both carry with them the hopes and dreams of our country.”
The high-profile launch was attended by guests including representatives from strategic partners such as the Global Observatory on Gender Equality and Sport, UNAIDS, OYDC, NOWSPAR, the Zambia Football Association and the Zambia National Olympic Committee.
The event successfully gained greater support and participation from various stakeholders, strengthening the Foundation’s ability to have a positive impact on the lives of young people.
Benedict Tambo
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