Patrick Chamunda

Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Zambia, Patrick Chamunda, who is also a former President of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, was prior to closing of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, honoured by the IOC and awarded the OLYMPIC ORDER for his outstanding services to Sport and the Olympic Movement.

The OLYMPIC ORDER is the highest award of the International Olympic Committee and is awarded for particularly distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement, in recognition of efforts worthy of merit in the cause of sport.

It was established in May 1975.

The insignia of the Olympic Order is in the form of a collar, the front of which depicts the five rings of the Olympic Movement, flanked on either side by kotinos emblem( olive wreath ).

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, formally presented the award to Patrick Chamunda and congratulated him for the award saying “the award was in recognition of his efforts and contribution to the establishment of the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka, Zambia, and his contribution to sport and the Olympic Movement over a period of 40 years.”

Commenting on the honour and award, Patrick Chamunda said: “I am extremely happy and humbled by this honour. It is an honour that does not only belong to me but to the country and all sports persons in Zambia, who sometimes struggle under very difficult circumstances to promote and advance sport and the Olympic Movement.

I am grateful to IOC President, Thomas Bach and the Executive Board of the IOC for the award.”

Patrick Chamunda becomes one of a very few sports persons from Africa to have received the Olympic Order.

In 2012, Patrick Chamunda, was honoured by the Zambian Government, for his services to Sport, with the award of the Order of Distinguished Service , First Division.

The Zambia women netball team has been crowned as champions for the nations tournament held in Singapore.

Ra Shai reports that Zambia won the champions with a final score of 65 – 49 against runner-up Team Papua New Guinea!

The Zambian team maintained an unbeaten record against all the countries at the competition winning all their matches played and beating Botswana 46 -43, Papua New Guinea 61-45, Ireland 58-26, Canada 78-26 and the host nation Singapore 50-45.

Wedson Nyirenda

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Wedson Nyirenda as assistant national team coach with immediate effect.

The former Zanaco FC and Zesco United coach will also act as national team coach until an expatriate coach is hired by the Football Association, after which Nyirenda will revert to his appointed role of full-time assistant national team coach. 

Nyirenda joins the Zambia national team from Ferroviario de Beira in Mozambique.

According to a statement released by FAZ secretary general, Ponga Liwewe, current coach George Lwandamina has been released to focus on Zesco United’s campaign in the CAF Champions League where they are in contention for a place in the final.

“The change is immediate and we believe that Mr Nyirenda will add immense value to the national team. In view of the fact that Zesco united are engaged in the semi-final of the CAF Champions League with two consecutive matches approaching, the Football Association of Zambia released Mr George Lwandamina to focus on this assignment which is of equal importance to the country. We believe that he can win the Champions league and are in a great position to do so,” said Liwewe.

Wedson Nyirenda

Newly appointed national soccer team assistant coach Wedson Nyirenda has agreed to take the Zambian job for a reported monthly salary of K50,000 or about USD5,000, according to ZamFoot.

Nyirenda will also be handed the official national team 4×4 presently in ex coach George Lwandamina possession, a flat and receive bonuses with every national team assignment.

He becomes the first ever assistant engaged full-time.

He assumes the head coach role immediately and his first major assignment is a daunting task of tackling the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier on October 9 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Jackson Mwanza’s second half brace gave Zesco United a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly entertaining CAF Champions League semi final first leg match played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola this afternoon.

Mwanza scored in the 54th and 66th minute to hand the home side a comfortable lead but they switched off late on and allowed Sundowns to sneak in a precious away goal through dangerman Khama Billiat.

In the early stages of the match, George Lwandamina’s men took the game to the visitors, but their decision-making in the box failed to yield results.

However, in the ninth minute, Denis Onyango made a wonderful save to deny Jesse Jackson Were in a one-on-one situation in front of goal.

Against the run of play, Sundowns moved forward in the middle of the park, allowing Tiyani Mabunda to take a shot which was saved by keeper Jacob Banda in the 13th minute.

The first half ended goalless, though there was no lack of attacking intent from either team.

In the 54th minute, Mwanza put the hosts in front when he headed a wonderful cross from the right flank to beat Onyango on his far post.

Two minutes later Mwanza completed his brace when he scored with a deflected free-kick that beat Onyango’s, with the goalkeeper protesting for offside.

The Brazilians were under pressure in the final 10 minutes as Zesco nearly scored their third goal, but Asavela Mbekile made a crucial touch to deny the hosts in the box.

Substitute Anthony Laffor came close to bagging one for the South Africans when he received a flick on from Kekana on the right, only for the Liberian to see his well struck shot go just over the cross bar.

With three minutes to go, Billiat scored what may prove a vital goal for the away side, beating Banda at his near post with a low strike.

In the end, the Brazilians pushed for a second goal, but it was too late as Team Ya Ziko held on to their 2-1 lead.

The second leg is scheduled to be staged in South Africa on Saturday, 24 September 2016.

Zanaco became the latest side to qualify for the 2016 Barclays Cup after they defeated Kabwe Warriors 3-0 in the second quarter final played at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday.

Saith Sakala gave the bankers the lead in the 4th minute before Isaac Chansa and substitute Kwame Attram scored a goal apiece in the 47th and 80th minutes respectively.

Zanaco join Nkana who progressed with a 3-1 victory over Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy at the same venue earlier in the day.

Nkana needed a double from Bonwell Mwape and a third goal by Austin Muwowo to see off the challenge of the Bwacha Boys who play in the FAZ Division One Zone Three League. The lone goal for for the lower league side was scored via a penalty by Daniel Chama.

The third quarter -final between holders Green Buffaloes and Power Dynamos will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

The fourth quarter -final featuring Zesco United and Konkola Blades was postponed to a later date due to the former’s involvement in the Caf Champions League.

The semi-finals with be played at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe on October 15.

Chisamba Lungu

Zambia national football team acting head coach Wedson Nyirenda has announced a provisional squad of 33 players ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Nigeria.

The invited players from the local league will go into residential camp on Sunday, September 25 in Ndola.

Nyirenda’s list sees several players returning to the fold including Chisamba Lungu, Fwayo Tembo, Kennedy Mweene, Kabaso Chongo and Patson Daka.

Others are Collins Mbesuma, Charles Zulu, Jack Chirwa, Richard Kasonde and Mwape Mwelwa.

Power Dynamos defender Lawrence Chungu has been re-called to the senior national team since December 2013 when he was named in the provisional squad for the Cecafa competition by Patrice Beaumelle.

Nyirenda was named as national team assistant coach on September 13 and in the absence of a substantive head coach will be acting head coach.

His immediate task is to prepare and come up with the team for the match against Nigeria on October 9.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA), Racha Kola (Zanaco);

Defenders: Lawrence Chungu (Power Dynamos), Fackson Kapumbu (Zanaco), Simon Silwimba (Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe/DRC), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), George Chilufya (Zanaco), Stopilla Sunzu (Lille/France), Billy Mutale (Power Dynamos), Donashano Malama (Nkana) ;

Midfielders: Charles Zulu (Zanaco), Fwayo Tembo (Power Dynamos), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe/DRC), Clatous Chama (Zesco United), John Ching’andu (Zesco United), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Misheck Chaila (Zesco United), Richard Kasonde (Zanaco), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe/DRC), Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Mwape Mwelwa (Zesco United), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural/Russia),

Strikers: Justin Shonga (Nkwazi), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards/Congo), Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA), Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Collins Mbesuma (Highlands Park/RSA)

Wedson Nyirenda

Newly appointed national soccer team acting head coach Wedson Nyirenda says the team needs a change of mentality if they are to get back to winning ways.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced Nyirenda as Zambia National Football Team assistant coach and as tentative acting head coach on 13th September, 2016 replacing Zesco United coach George Lwandamina who had been in that role since June 2015.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group stage qualifiers starting in October and Zesco United still involved in the Caf Champions League, the FAZ moved to find the right man to take over from Lwandamina ahead of the appointment of a permanent head coach.

Nyirenda was unveiled to the media by FAZ Deputy General Secretary Lombe Mbalashi at a press briefing held at Football House on Tuesday.

The coach fondly called Wada Wada by his fans said he was aware of the expectations which came with being Chipolopolo head coach and hoped that his philosophy would help to restore Zambia’s glory after failing to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Setting out his philosophy Nyirenda said: “I took this job because I am one person who loves challenges. I did something when I was at Zesco United which is now a household name in Africa; I did the same when I was at Zanaco and at the club which I recently left in Mozambique. With good cooperation, good work culture and a good understanding between myself, the players and other stakeholders we are going to do a good job. We are looking like we are a weakened team but that’s why people are there. We need to change the players mentality and to change how things are done in the field.

“We must have a winning mentality. I think we are at the lowest level but we need to give our players the confidence that they can do it.

Wada explained that his immediate task was twofold.

“I am coming in to rebuild the team but we have to look at qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the same time. We have to be bold enough to say the truth. We have not been doing very well in the recent past. I think if we look back, our downward slide started immediately we won the Afcon. We haven’t been the same since then. We have been going down in terms of performance . There are a lot of factors which we need to look at.

“My predecessors did their part but we need to do more. It is nobody’s fault that we are where we are today. It is football.”

Sharing his views on Zambia being considered the weakest team in Group B which contains Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria Nyirenda said:” Every other team is the same it depends on how you apply yourself. We were written off in 2012 but we emerged victorious. Look at Zesco United, no one expected them to come out of their group in the Caf Champions League but they have reached the semi-finals. We are in the group of death but if we all work together we are going to pull a surprise.”

Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Patrick Chamunda, has described the just ended “Leadership forum for women in Sport in Africa” organised by the International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) as a success. The Forum was aimed at building capacity of women in leadership and administration of Sport.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the forum held at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) Wednesday 21^st September, 2016 Chamunda, observed that the Forum will at least produce 20% of women to aspire for leadership positions.

He urged all the participants to implement all the ideas discussed during the three days forum in their respective home countries adding that it will increase the participation of women at the Olympic Games.

The participants were at the end of the forum awarded with certificates of participation.

And International Olympic Committee (IOC) Programmes Manager for Gender Equality promotion who was also the project coordinator for the women’s conference Dominique Niyonizigiye, applauded all the participants for their commitment, dedication and passion during the forum.

She paid tribute to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Mirriam Moyo, for ensuring that the forum was a success in Zambia adding that the hospitality will be greatly missed.

Over 50 delegates from National Olympic Committees and federations across Africa were part of the forum.

Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Burundi, Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, s Namibia, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia the host were some of the countries that were represented.

MTN FAZ Super League leaders Zanaco opened an eight point lead at the top of the standings after they won 1-0 at Nakambala Leopards as closest rivals Nkana lost by the same scoreline at home to Green Buffaloes on Saturday.

Fashion Sakala scored the only goal of the match and his tenth league goal of the campaign in the 68th minute to take his side to 61 points from 26 matches.

Nkana in second with 53 points failed to recover from a 38th minute goal scored by Jasper Masialeti but maintained a one point lead over third placed Power Dynamos who lost 2-1 at Nkwazi.

The victory kept Buffaloes in fifth position with 42 points, six points ahead of Kabwe Warriors whose match with Zesco United was postponed to a later date.

Red Arrows in seventh position had to come from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Mufulira Blackpool thanks to Festus Mbewe who equalised after Patrick Kongolo had given the visitors the lead.

At Woodlands Stadium, Napsa Stars record the biggest victory of the round following their 4-0 defeat of Lusaka Tigers thanks to goals by Mathews Maleka, Louis Musonda, Chitiya Mususu and Collins Sikombe.

Meanwhile Emmanuel Kasonde scored a brace for Nkwazi who moved into ninth position with 31 points on goal difference from Nchanga Rangers. Their vanquished opponents Power Dynamos scored a consolation goal through Patson Daka.

And Lumwana Radiants followed up their 2-0 victory over Lusaka Tigers a a fortnight ago with a 1-0 home win over Nchanga Rangers thanks to a goal by Hillary Bwalya.

On Friday, Forest Rangers and Green Eagles played out dramatic a 3-3 draw in which four goals were scored in the final 15 minutes of the match.

Greenwell Witika had given the visitors a early lead in the 5th minute but Logic Ching’andu equalised in the 53rd minute. Felix Nyaende scored two quick fire goals for the hosts in the 77th and 80th minutes but the visitors pulled a goal back in the 87th minute through Andrew Phiri before Witika completed the comeback two minutes later.

Week 26 action continues on Sunday at Shinde Stadium where Mufulira Wanderers will entertain Lusaka Dynamos.

Zambia’s representatives in the last four of the 2016 CAF Champions League Zesco United missed out on reaching the final after they lost the semi-final second leg 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.

Zesco United went into the match as favourites after they won the first leg 2-1 a week ago in Ndola but their aggregate lead was cancelled early through Anthony Laffour who opened the scoring in the 5th minute and they did not recover when Percy Tau added the second goal in the 63rd minute for the South African side to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Khama Billiat had a chance to increase the advantage on 15 minutes but his driven effort from a free kick zoomed over the crossbar.

Jackson Mwanza almost equalised a minute later when he beat an on rushing Onyango with a first time effort which rattled the crossbar.

Laffor was involved again in the 17th minute when he almost scored his second of the match after he was set up by Thabo Nthethe but his low effort went across the face of goal following a corner.

The hosts kept pressing in the early stages and almost capitalised when Billiat took advantage when he stole a back pass by Ben Adamah but his was quickly closed down forcing him to send his effort over and wide in the 24th minute.

At the other end Mwanza lacked composure as he scuffed his volleyed effort which went over and wide at the near post.

On the half hour mark it was Keagan Dolly who who brought out a good save out of Jacob Banda following a quick break by the hosts.

The last piece of first half action fell to Tiyani Mabunda whose long range effort hit the crossbar with Zesco United Jacob Banda rooted to the spot.

Lwandamina made early changes in the second half, bringing on Mwape Mwelwa and Lazarous Kambole for Clatous Chama and John Ching’andu but it was the hosts who increased the advantage through Percy Tau who headed home after being set up by Billiat in the 63rd minute.

In the 65th minute Mwelwa forced a save out of Onyango with a spectacular effort following a cross on the break by Were.

Lwandamina brought on Idriss Mbombo for Kondwani Mtonga in the 73rd minute as Zesco United looked for a goal that would take the match to penalties but Sundowns held on to reach the final where they will play the winner of the semi-final between Zamalek and Wydad Casablanca.

Famous former French international and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal (French pronunciation: [eʁik abidal) will arrive in Zambia this Friday to discuss the planned exhibition match between the Zambia national team and Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

Abidal will be accompanied by former Real Madrid player Rayco Garcia.

The duo will be in the country to negotiate the trip due in December when Barcelona is expected to come to Zambia.

Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Emmanuel Mwamba announced the development.

He said Barcelona is expected to play an exhibition match with the Zambia National Soccer Team and also visit tourism spots.

He said the visit by Abidal is significant especially to provide comfort to prospecting corporate sponsors of the December outing.

Mwamba said the economic and tourism benefit to the country was significant as the visit of such high profile personalities put Zambia on the World Map.

Abidal was born 11 September 1979 is a French retired professional footballer who played as a left back or a central defender.

In his career he played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona Football Club, winning 21 major titles the two teams combined, including two Champions League trophies with the latter.

A French international across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cups – finishing second in 2006 – and Euro 2008.

And Rayco Garcia has pledged to promote soccer in Zambia by conducting coaching clinics and putting up a soccer academy.

He has also pledged to take highly talented youths into the famous Spanish league “La Liga” beginning next season.

Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Moses Mawere, says government will continue to support the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) which is developing athletes to represent the country at Olympic Games and regional competitions.

Speaking after a familiarisation tour of the Centre, the minister said he was impressedthat the OYDC is a busy Centre, where athletes from communities and other parts of the Country are training from.

The minister who was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary Agnes Musunga, Director of Sport Bessie Chelemu, Director Human Resource and Administration Alphonso Banda and other senior officers in the Ministry commended the OYDC for its services and facilities it offers.

And the Minister instructed the Permanent Secretary to ensure that the OYDC is launched as the National Centre of Excellence for Sport.

Meanwhile, the minister also toured the ’90 Days Legacy’ swimming pool at the Centre which host athletes in during swimming competitions.

He also toured the OYDC Lodge, whichaccommodates athletes, delegates, sport federation representatives and others who use the OYDC for different events.

And OYDC Director Clement Chileshe, who welcomed the Minister and his entourage said the Centre since inception has continued to host athletes of which some have represented the country at the Olympic Games.

Chileshe, said through the partnership of Samsung, Teulings, Zamtel and other corporate partners the Centre has continued to host the Youth Sport Challenge developing athletes being selected to play for the national team and local clubs.

Zambia is set to begin it’s journey to the Russia 2018 World Cup with a mouth-watering Group B clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola Sunday afternoon.

The 2012 African champions face an uphill battle to secure their maiden appearance at the world’s biggest football event, having been drawn in the same group as Algeria, Cameroon and Sunday’s opponents – teams that have graced the world stage on several occasions.

Coach Wedson Nyirenda rejects any notion of his Chipolopolo side being afraid of the star-studded Nigerian side boasting several European based players, saying his team, which has a combination of local and foreign-based players, is in fact motivated by the composition of the Super Eagles.

“I think that the composition of the team [Nigeria] would even be an advantage to us because it motivates the players before they play the game. I know Chipolopolo; when you think they have gone low, that’s when they come up and when you look at the way we are preparing, we look set and we are aiming high,” Nyirenda said.

And Nyirenda says his aim is to collect maximum points in all three home matches and control away matches to secure a first ever World Cup appearance.

“The most important thing and what we are working on is to make our home a fortress, meaning win at home and try to control the game outside. That’s what we are aiming to do and if we get a draw away, it is well also because we would have stopped the other team from getting points on us and stop them from going on top of us.”

He said he was impressed with the attitude of senior players towards local players in camp.

“The competition is so high but what I like the most is the attitude of senior players, the way the professionals are accommodating and helping the young ones, it is so good,” he said.

Nyirenda will count on the experienced heads of 2012 Afcon heroes Rainford Kalaba (c), Stophira Sunzu, Nathan Sinkala and Collins Mbesuma, while the likes of Clatous Chama will add some youthful exuberance.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Coach Gernot Rohr says he knows the Zambian team very well and has prepared his team adequately to get the three points.

The 2013 African Champions have several European based stars in their ranks such as captain John Obi Mikel of English Premier League side Chelsea, Kelechi Inheacho of Manchester City, Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa, among others. Chelsea’s Victor Moses will miss the tie through injury.

Zambia’s bid for a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia started off on a sour note following a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in an opening Group B fixture played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola Sunday afternoon.

Following a shaky start, the Chipolopolo fell behind in the 32nd minute through an Alex Iwobi volley. The Nigerians doubled their lead ten minutes later via a well-taken goal by Kelechi Iheanacho.

The home side’s improved second half performance saw Collins Mbesuma pull one back in the 70th minute but Nigeria held on to record their first ever win on the Chipolopolo’s home turf.

Both sides threatened in the opening stages, with the visitor’s goalkeeper Carl Ikeme tipping Fwayo Tembo’s cross-shot onto the crossbar while at the other end, Onazi shot just wide when clean through on goal.

However, Nigeria broke the deadlock on 32 minutes when Adrian Chama failed to deal with a long throw-in from Onyinye Ndidi. His poor headed clearance fell at the feet of Arsenal youngster Iwobi, who volleyed into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of Kennedy Mweene.

Rainford Kalaba should have levelled the scores soon after, following a fine cross from the right from Tembo, but shot stopper Ikeme pulled off a superb save to keep out the Zambia forward’s powerful header.

Wedson Nyirenda’s men were made to rule that missed opportunity when three minutes before half-time, Iheanacho doubled Nigeria’s lead. Brown Ideye played the ball to the young Manchester City striker on the edge of the area and he displayed great pace and composure to slice through the Chipolopolo defence before rounding Mweene and slotting into an empty net.

Minutes after halftime, Nyirenda hauled off the hapless Chama and brought on Kondwani Mtonga. The Green Buffaloes defender had had an afternoon to forget as a series of defensive howlers nearly resulted in an embarrassing scoreline in favour of the visitors, if his more accomplished partner Stoppira Sunzu hadn’t repeatedly stepped in to clean up after him.

But soon after, John Obi Mikel nearly made it three with a spectacular volley from the edge of the area, that Mweene did well to tip over his crossbar.

At the other end, Kalaba was a constant menace and he came close to reducing the deficit when he glided past Ndidi on the left hand side and unleashed a shot that the impressive Ikeme blocked from point blank range.

Zambia finally got the goal that their endeavour deserved with 19 minutes left on the clock when Mbesuma took advantage of some terrible defending from Kenneth Omeruo. The defender made a mess of a long ball into the box and the veteran number 9 used his strength to hold off the despairing Omeruo before firing a low shot past Ikeme on the turn.

Wave after wave of Chipolopolo attacks followed as they chased an equaliser but the Super Eagles held on to get their campaign off a winning start.

Zambia national soccer team coach Wedson Nyirenda says he is disappointed with the result but remains positive of the team’s ability to recover in upcoming matches.

The Chipolopolo lost 2-1 at home to Nigeria in a 2018 Russia World Cup Group B opening fixture played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola Sunday afternoon. It was Nyirenda’s first match in charge of the team.

The Super Eagles scored two first half goals through Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho, while Nyirenda’s men got theirnlone goal through Collins Mbesuma in the second half.

“We are rebuilding the team and at the same time expecting to qualify for the Fifa World Cup. We have brought new players to the team and I think they blended well with the old players,” said Nyirenda in a post-match interview.

“But most of all I am happy with the response we got from our fans. After conceding those two goals they continued to support us. That means that we have real Chipolopolo supporters. They went on until the last minute. Even when we missed those chances they kept on chanting for us.

“But football being what it is, the result today went the other way. I would like to assure our fans that we will compensate this loss in upcoming matches and give them what they deserve.”

And Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr said the first half went according
to plan.

“The result today is a reflection of what happened in the match. What happened in the first half is what we expected. We played well and we scored.

“In the second half Zambia was the better team. They pushed and pushed and they almost made it 2-2 but the spirit of our team is very good so we managed to defend until the end,” said Rohr.

The Chipolopolo’s next fixture is a tough away mach tto Cameroon in November.

 Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) Director Clement Chileshe, has disclosed that over 10,000 athletes have been engaged in the Samsung Youth Sport Challenge both in training and competitions.

Speaking during the 2016 Samsung Youth Sport Challenge “Grand Finale” held at the Centre, Chileshe said the Youth league has in the last six years recorded positive results stating that over 106 athletes were selected to play for the national teams in different sports.

He added that out of the over 10,000 athletes who were engaged, a total of 6,000 athletes were screened by health staff during league competitions hosted at the Centre.

Chileshe, described the just ended 2016 Samsung Youth Sport Challenge as successful but regretted the low numbers of female participation stating that with the support from Samsung the Centre will target to enroll more girls.

He appealed to parents to motivate their children to join any of the 18 sport disciplines at the Centre.

Athletes were competing in five sports disciplines Handball, Boxing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and Badminton which are sponsored by Samsung Electronics.

Outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams were rewarded with trophies and medals.

Some of the winners were Kamwala Handball team (1^st position), Lusaka Tigers Handball team (Runners up), Ping Pong Stars (U15 Girl’s Table tennis 1^st position), U15 Girls Taekwondo Mary Ngoma (1^st position) Badminton (1^st position St Pauls) and Exodus boxing (1^st position).

Meanwhile, Mubanga Kunda, a table tennis player who represented Samsung Youth Sport Challenge athletes expressed gratitude that the Samsung Youth Sport Challenge has helped many athletes to get exposed and subsequently identified to participate in regional and international competitions.

She disclosed that the athletes have been receiving trainings in Olympic values, HIV/AIDS and most importantly free health checks which include Dental, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat checks.

The Grand Finale was attended by representatives from different sports federations, DEC officials, and Zambia Police Child Protection Unit officials.

Fourteen talented teenagers from Zambia are in South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria, to participate in a week of football at the COPA Coca-Cola Southern and Eastern Africa Business Unit (SEABU) camp where they will be coming together with 67 youngsters from seven countries over a period of five days. This will be a unique opportunity for them to forge friendships and gain valuable team skills both on and off the pitch.

They will also be putting aside what makes them different – age, nationality, language, culture and background – in order to celebrate their common interests – namely, their love of the game. The camp will be run at the state-of-the-art High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria from October 10 – 15, 2016. For the participants, the camp will form the pinnacle of this year’s COPA Coca-Cola tournament, which has seen more than 1.3 million teens compete in over 60 countries globally.

The international Copa Coca-Cola grassroots football tournament is organized on an annual basis by the leading global beverage giant Coca-Cola, and helps to identify and reward footballing teen talent whilst creating an opportunity for young people to pursue their passion for football.

Takunda Jinda, Coca-Cola Marketing Activations Manager for Zambia and Malawi, said: “Together, Coca-Cola and football can influence society like nothing else. Football is a great life-coach that teaches our children skills on the pitch that are invaluable in every aspect of life. Camaraderie, integrity, perseverance amongst many others. We hope that, through initiatives like Copa Coca-Cola, they can do their bit make their world a better place.”

Zambia’s squad is comprised of teenagers from across the nation, aged between 13 and 16, who were identified as stand-out players following the 2016 Copa Coca-Cola school tournament. The five-day trip to South Africa will be packed with training sessions, workshops, games, events, coaching and guidance from some of top Copa Coca-Cola coaches.

Andrew Kamanga

The Confederation of African Football (CAF)  has appointed Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga as a member of the CAF U-20 African Championship Organising Committee.

Kamanga was appointed on  October 3, 2016 ahead of the 20th edition of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Zambia from  February 26  to  March 12,  2017.

Announcing the appointment,  CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani has congratulated Kamanga for his appointment.

“We are very pleased to inform you that you have been designated as a member of CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Organizing Committee. Please accept our congratulations on this appointment.

“We wish you success and enjoyment in your current and future activities for CAF and we are looking forward to your constructive cooperation,”  El Amrani said  in a communique addressed to the FAZ president made available to Zambian Eye.

The full List of the CAF U-20 African Championship Organizing Committee for 2015-2017 comprises of

Amadou Diakité (Mali) President .

Constant Omari Selemani (D. R. Congo) Vice-President

Anjorin Moucharafou (Benin) Member.

Mthetwa Adam (Swaziland) Member.

Ngaissona Edouard (Central Africa) Member.

Salim Tourqui (Comoros) Member.

Bouzenad Nadir (Algeria) Member.

Abdiqani Said Arab (Somalia) Member.

Phillip Chiyangwa (Zimbabwe) Member.

Aboubacar Alim Konate (Cameroon) Member,

Didavi Bruno Arthur (Benin) Member.

Lamin Kaba Bajo (Gambia) Member.

Laurence Mulindwa (Uganda) Member.

Jamal Malinzi (Tanzania) Member, Adamou Issaka (Niger) Member