I WOULD like to thank my buddy Jack Mwewa for keeping this column going when I was on sabbatical leave.
A lot has happened in the world of sport from the last time I interacted with you dear readers.
Among some of highlights were the qualification of the Zambia Under-20 soccer team to the Senegal 2015 African Youth Championship finals while the senior squad, the Chipolopolo kicked off the campaign for a place at the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final poorly after drawing with lowly ranked Mozambique and losing to the Cape Verde Island.
Still in soccer, Zambia also lost its bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to Cameroon with other West African nations Ivory Coast and Guinea being granted the 2021 and 2013 editions respectively.
However, what struck my heart was the Zambia netball team’s historic qualification to the Sydney 2015 World Cup finals. This was another milestone as far as local women sport is concerned.
Zambian female boxers, Esther Phiri and Catherine Phiri have put the nation on the world map by conquering their several opponents from many corners of the globe.
Runner-cum-soccer player, Kabange Mupopo also curved her name as one of Africa’s best athletes apart from guiding the She-polopolo to a maiden Africa Women Championship.
Back to netball, there were some concerns raised by some quarters that Government alleged shunned the team after achieving such a feat.
But Sports Minister, Chishimba Kambwili apologised for not welcoming the team, saying Government did not shun the netballers and urged the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) to avail the state with all programmes for sport.
“Most of the times we are not aware of some of these associations’ outings and we just get information after reading newspapers. We have never segregated when it comes to supporting sport associations for we always delegate a Government official. As a ministry, we did not abandon the programme of welcoming the netball team but we were simply not aware,” Kambwili said.
With the achievement scored by the netballers and other sports disciplines, it is prudent that SCZ and Government work hand-in-hand to foster sports development and ensure all activities receive equal attention.
It’s my hope that more sports glory will be heading to Zambia with good planning and management.
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