By GWEN CHIPASULA –
SPORTS Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela has warned sports associations against engaging in wrangles, saying infighting is only proving detrimental to sports development.
Speaking when he officiated at the handing over of a sports facility to the National Olympic Committee by the

. Chitotela

Japanese Embassy at Olympafrica in Lusaka, Chitotela said squabbling in associations would no longer be tolerated .He insisted that all sports associations needed to respect their constitutions and handle issues in an appropriate manner instead of always quarreling at the expense of development.
“You need to respect your constitutions, you are there to save the youths and that is one area you will always need to remember. So always remember to put the youths’ interest first because without them, there is no need to have you as leaders,” he said.
He said the wrangles drive would-be sponsors away and wondered why it was difficult for associations to resolve matters amicably.
Chitotela, however, expressed happiness with the Japanese Government for remaining committed to Zambian sports development despite some wrangles in some associations.
He said sports was important tool for the youths as it does not only create employment but also helped them against indulging in various vices which were detrimental to national development.
Chitotela added that the ministry would work closely with the Sports Council of Zambia to change the face of sport in the country.