Sports University plans well received by Sports bodies

A NUMBER of sports associations have hailed Government’s intentions to set up Sports University in Luanshya to enhance the development of sports in Zambia.

The Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) have said the planned university had come at the right timewhen sports in Zambia needed expertise.

Federation secretary, Chanda Nsakanya said modern sports needed technical know-how and that such a facility would allow Zambia to compete favourably in international assignments.

Nsakanya noted that currently chess only had eight expatriate trainers educated outside Zambia, adding that the establishment of a Sports University would allow more experts in the sport to be produced locally.

“Zambia has for a long time lagged behind in terms of embracing education in sports and we believe the coming of the planned (sports) university will improve Zambia’s performance on the international platform because we will be at the same level with highly mechanised countries,” he said.

Zambia Squash Association (ZSA) president, Norena Chiteba said the development was long o

verdue adding that it would equip sports men and women with the much needed technical know-how of various sports disciplines.

Speaking yesterday, Chitebe observed that sports management in Zambia was lacking, a situation she said had impacted negatively on some minor sports in Zambiay.

Chiteba said minor sports like squash would greatly benefit from the institution stating that the establishment of a Sports University would raise the standards of the sport.

“We want to welcome the plans by Government because we feel the area of management has been lacking in our sports administration.

“Having such a facility in Zambia is a plus on our sports and Government should be commended for such a progressive plan,” she said.

And Badminton Zambia (BZ) matron Betty Simbeye said it was high time people began to consider sports as a career.

Simbeye said the development was a clear indication of the importance the Government attached to the improvement of sports in Zambia.

She urged sports associations in Zambia to rally behind the Government throughout the implementation process of the planned university.

Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili announced on Wednesday Government’s planned to turn the dormant former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines sports complex into a Sports University.