Copper Queens goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali has penned a heart warming message thanking everyone involved in her journey to recovery following her knee injury weeks to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nali was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury days before the kick off of the global showpiece in New Zealand.
The 2022 WAFCON hero suffered a knee injury prior to the Copper Queens historical 3-2 international friendly win over Germany.
Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) for which she underwent surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand on 16th August.
Nali says she nearly lost hope of ever playing football or walking properly on both legs after the injury which shuttered her World Cup dream.
Nali was quick to thank Dr Mwandila, the high Commissioner in New Zealand, Dr Elias Mushya, The Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Ministry of Sport, FAZ, her family and the fans who have supported her throughout the journey.
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT FROM NALI :
I wish to express my heart felt gratitude towards my stay in New Zealand , I got injured a few days to the biggest tournament which is the World Cup. A Tournament i have always wanted to participate as a young dreamer, the injury almost made me lose hope of ever going to play and walk nicely on both legs but the unmatched love and care in New Zealand gave me some hope.
Dr Mwandila and the family you played the role of a Guardian Angel in my life, you really gave me another home at the moment I was down. God bless abundantly.
The High Commissioner Dr Elias Munshya words would not be enough to appreciate all the kind works, efforts and words you have rendered unto me while there with my recovery and rehab which was a success and worth the stay. The experience has been awesome and worth it, I wish to continue with the next set of rehabs back home in Zambia.
Finally, I have massive hope of relighting my career on the field of play within the possible time, everyone in New Zealand has been supportive and encouraging while I was out there injured. Massive thanks go to the Zambian Government, Sports Minister Mr Elvis Nkandu i really appreciate for the father figure role you played, The Football Association of Zambia, The Ministry and the people back home for the support and warm encouragements.
The loving supporters, the family back home thanks for the million messages and calls to encourage me.
I will be back.
Hazel Natasha Nali
Source: ZamFoot
