ZANIS SPORTS COPY — Zambia’s independence is medicine for Zambian football – Nkweto

-The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says Zambia’s political independence is a stepping stone for indigenous Zambians to play and administer the game which was a preserve for the colonial masters in pre-independence times 

FAZ Communications Manager Nkweto Tembwe says that the freedom and independence Zambia is enjoying today came at a great price. 

Nkweto says in 50 years, Zambia managed to conquer the continental African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2012 that was a landmark achievement to the nation alongside with winning the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations CECAFA and  Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) COSAFA cups respectively. 

ZANIS sports reports that Nkweto said this in a statement today.

He said Zambia has made tremendous progress in developing the women’s game as evidenced by the qualification of the U-17 women’s team for the U17 FIFA women’s cup and the senior women’s teams to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) championships being hosted by Namibia.

“We at Football House are pleased to note that football over the years has continued to be a uniting factor for our beloved nation. We wish to pay tribute to all the members of the football fraternity for all these successes scored, “ Nkweto said.

The FAZ Communications Manager said the unprecedented landmarks extend to the men’s game are the U-17 and U-20 sides that have both qualified for their respective CAF championships.

He urged the Zambian and members of the football fraternity to assist FAZ efforts in making football better for all.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili has urged the Zambian people to give solidarity and support the Chipolopolo Boys in today’s friendly match between Zambia and Ivory Coast to be played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Kambwili said the friendly match is part of Zambia’s Golden jubilee celebrations.

Frenchman Herve Renard’s Elephants sides met in 2012 when Ivory Coast lost 1 – 0 in penalties during the AFCON. Zambia grabbed the continental cup.