The Zambian Football Association has sadly announced the untimely death of Norin Betani, a striker for the Copper Queens and Indeni Roses Football Club. The 24-year-old player, part of the provisional squad for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament qualifier against Ghana, succumbed to a condition initially suspected to be malaria. Despite efforts by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the University Teaching Hospital reported her passing on Wednesday, February 21.

Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, expressed deep regret in a statement, saying, “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 highlighted that Betani, feeling unwell upon reporting to the camp, was promptly taken to Kanyama Level One Hospital, with the FAZ maintaining close communication with her family throughout the process.

Despite undergoing medical care, Betani’s health deteriorated, leading to her referral to the University Teaching Hospital on Monday. The football association, along with Betani’s family and her club, Indeni Roses, collaborated closely during her hospitalization. Kamanga clarified that the decision to seek medical attention was based on recommendations from the team medics