Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Media Manager, Godfrey Chikumbi, has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for increased attention and support for different sports disciplines in the country. Chikumbi says football has benefited significantly from Government support…

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Media Manager, Godfrey Chikumbi, has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for increased attention and support for different sports disciplines in the country.

Chikumbi says football has benefited significantly from Government support through funding, infrastructure and human resources provided through the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Arts and the National Sports Council of Zambia.

He said the Government has supported football since independence, including funding clubs and providing financial support to national teams.

Chikumbi noted that the Government has also taken steps to promote gender equality in football by ensuring that male and female players receive equal winning bonuses.

He says the Chipolopolo are preparing for the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while the Copper Queens are working towards qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Chikumbi added that the Government has continued to support national teams with travel arrangements and other resources, citing the provision of a chartered plane for the Chipolopolo ahead of their match against Uganda in India.

Meanwhile, Zambia Premier League Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Chimpampwe, says the Zambia Premier League was established as the professional and commercial arm of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to allow the association to focus on football development and national teams.

Chimpampwe says the league oversees professional competitions, including the men’s MTN Super League, the women’s Super-Division and lower-tier leagues.

He says Government funding to FAZ is mainly directed towards the development of football and supporting the men’s and women’s national teams, while the association is working to raise additional resources.

Chimpampwe says the league is exploring ways to do more through sponsorships and partnerships to strengthen its operations and support football development.

He adds that the league is positioning itself to increase its contribution to the growth of football in Zambia.

Related coverage from breakingnewszambia.com

• Zambia : CSDG Welcomes Hichilema’s Inaugural Address