HH Fetes Victorious U17 Teams and CAF Award Winners

21.12.2024 | Football DNA ⚽️

President Hakainde Hichilema reiterated his government’s commitment to investing in sports, emphasizing its potential as a business venture. Speaking at a State Banquet held in honor of the victorious Under-17 boys' and girls' teams, along with CAF award winners Barbra Banda and Diana Chikotesha, Hichilema pledged increased resources for sports development. He assured stakeholders, including the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), that the government was a reliable partner in promoting sports.

Hichilema also applauded FAZ for its decentralization initiative, which he noted had simplified talent identification across the country. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that every Zambian, regardless of their place of origin, deserved opportunities to succeed.

The president further urged sports administrators to collaborate with financial institutions to enhance financial literacy among athletes. He directed the government to fund financial education programs for athletes, stressing the importance of proper money management to secure their future. He cautioned young athletes against financial mismanagement, sharing concerns about the challenges many face after retirement.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga expressed gratitude to the government for supporting Zambia’s national teams, the Chipolopolo and the Copper Queens. Kamanga emphasized FAZ’s ambition to achieve financial independence through initiatives such as the KoPa brand and a proposed $10 million Chipolopolo bond. He also called for the swift signing of a draft Memorandum of Understanding that would formalize government support for football development.

CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year, Barbra Banda, thanked the president for his unwavering support for sports, particularly women’s football. She praised her fellow athletes for their dedication, stating that their collective efforts had brought pride to the nation.

CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year, Diana Chikotesha, also lauded Hichilema for his extraordinary support. She encouraged athletes to prioritize education as a safeguard against uncertainties such as injuries or aging. Chikotesha noted that balancing sports with education would prepare athletes for life beyond their active sports careers.

The banquet underscored Zambia’s growing commitment to sports as a unifying and transformative force for the nation.