Katoba Warns Women Players Against Same-Sex Relationships, Urges Education
“If you are found practising same-sex relationships, you will be jailed,” Priscilla Katoba has warned, as the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Women’s Representative addressed players during an engagement with Green Buffaloes Women FC.
Colonel Katoba, who is on a nationwide tour to educate female footballers on key issues affecting the women’s game, met players, technical staff and club officials to discuss discipline, education, safeguarding and career development.
Speaking during the session, Katoba strongly cautioned players against engaging in same-sex relationships, describing them as unlawful under Zambian legislation.
“There are consequences. Zambia, being a Christian nation, does not allow such things in our Zambian laws; if you are found practising same-sex relationships, you are gone. You will be jailed! It is a warning that you don’t find yourself in such a situation,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of education, urging players who may have dropped out of school to take advantage of the government’s free education policy.
“There are those of you who could have left school at a particular level, not completing Form Five [grade 12]. I have come today to encourage you to say if you are in this category, you have not completed your school. I would imagine that all of you can attain the level of Form Five. It will be good for you, your family, the club, FAZ and the country at large,” Katoba said.
“To all those who have fallen short of Form Five, my encouragement today is to take advantage of the free education. Get back to school and be able to attain your education to the level we have spoken about,” she added.
Katoba further addressed issues of discipline, including dress code and personal conduct, stressing that professionalism both on and off the pitch is key to a successful football career.
She also highlighted the importance of safeguarding players, warning against unauthorised agents and outlining proper channels for reporting cases of sexual harassment.
The FAZ official concluded by urging players to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their development as the women’s game continues to grow in Zambia.
