By SANDRA MWILA –

FOOTBALL Administrator Andrew Kamanga says the introduction of the Super League trophy is long overdue.
Kamanga said in an interview yesterday that the introducing of a trophy for the Supper League champions is a good idea but that the trophy should have been part the SuperSport deal from inception.
“The introducing of a trophy for Supper League winners is a good idea, it is long overdue and the trophy should have been part of the sponsorship deal from inception,” Kamanga said.
SuperSport on Friday handed over a 12 Kg copper trophy worth US$10,000 to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for Supper league winners.
Kamanga said it was a good start but was quick to add that more still needs to be done to motivate the teams.
He said some teams in the league spend about US$1 million for logistics throughout the season and K200, 000 was not much for Supper League winners.
“We still need to do a lot of work in rewarding winners. I know some teams in the Supper League that spend about $1million for logistics throughout the season and being rewarded K200, 000 is nothing,” he said.
Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association (CSFA) chairperson Yotam Mwanza equally welcomed the idea but that it has been long overdue.
“Thumbs up to MTN and FAZ for a job well done. Champions need to be honoured for the hard labour over the season. Let this trophy be accompanied by a good package to the winners. Let it be handed over on the final day to the winners in the midst of fans to add colour. A reception can follow later,” he said.
Mwanza urged FAZ to now pursue other sponsors for cup games as the Barclays Cup alone was not enough.
“Stanbic Bank, Chilanga Lafarge Cement or Dangote Cement can be approached or even a FAZ Cup to be sponsored by the association,” he said.
Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASFA) strongman Peter Makembo said a good incentive was now needed for the clubs to compensate on the huge amounts spent when preparing for the season.
Makembo said the move was welcomed though it has come late when past champions have walked away without a trophy.
“This is a step in the right direction at least the champions will now have a trophy but clubs still need to be motivated through sponsors offering a good incentive,” he said.