Norin Betani, a promising 24-year-old striker, has met an untimely demise during a Zambian national team gathering. The Zambia Football Federation (FAZ) confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that Betani, who was suspected of malaria, fell ill upon arriving at the camp and was promptly hospitalized on medical advice.
Originally listed among the pre-selected players for the crucial first leg of the penultimate round of Olympic Games qualification against Ghana, Betani’s arrival at the team’s base camp took a devastating turn.
The FAZ, in a statement released on Wednesday, recounted the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the loss of the talented striker.
Reuben Kamanga, the FAZ general secretary, expressed, “The player reported to the camp while ill and was taken to the hospital for a thorough examination on the recommendation of doctors. Betani was taken to the hospital closest to the team’s camp…
The patient was then sent to the university hospital on Monday and was under medical care until her death.” The federation disclosed that Norin Betani had been “diagnosed with suspected malaria.”
Betani, who also served as a striker for the Indeni Roses in the Zambian championship, demonstrated her prowess by scoring eleven goals in the previous season and adding four to her tally in the current season. Her final club appearance occurred on February 11 against YASA Queens.
The untimely passing of Norin Betani reverberates as a profound tragedy, deeply impacting both the Zambian and international football communities. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Norin Betani’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
🔴 Norin Betani, attaquante de la Zambie, est décédée en plein rassemblement.
La joueuse de 24 ans est arrivée malade au stage de la sélection zambienne avant d’être hospitalisée d’urgence.
La joueuse avait été « diagnostiquée de paludisme soupçonné » selon sa Fédération.… pic.twitter.com/1YcqxtjwCf
— Footeuses (@foo_teuses) February 21, 2024
