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THE Zambia Tennis Association (ZTA) risks facing a ban from the world governing body, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) over an unpaid K14,000 in affiliation fees.
With this debt lingering on, ZTA may not be allowed to host the prestigious Zambia Open Championship this year.
ZTA owes ITF K14, 000 in affiliation fees which dates back to 2009 and the global body’s regulations bars affiliates who fail to settle fees from holding international tournaments.
The annual fee stands at K4, 000 and Zambia last year managed to stage the First Quantum Mineral-sponsored Zambia Open after making a payment of K3, 000 towards the bill that stood at K17, 000 then.
ZTA president Francis Musonda said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that his executive committee was looking at ways to clear the outstanding bill.
“It is very sad that we are in this situation and so we are trying every means to ensure that we can raise the money.
“As you know, this debt was accrued by the previous executive and when we came in last year, we managed to convince the ITF that we had just assumed office and they gave us a go ahead to stage the Zambia Open after committing K3, 000,” he said.
Musonda said ZTA would next month hold a fundraising tennis tournament that would attract members of the diplomatic missions and the community.
He said proceeds of the tournament would be channeled towards settling the ITF debt so that Zambia could be cleared to host an international tournament.
“We are calling on well wishers to come on board and offer their support to the association but again we are not sitting idle. We have lined up a tournament for the purpose of raising funds that will see us raise enough funds.
“The good thing is that if we meet 50 per cent of the amount, we can be allowed to stage the tournament but it will not be an easy undertaking because once that debt is cleared; we have to start planning for the Zambia Open and seeking sponsorship,” he said.
Times of Zambia
