"President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that sport is a lucrative business with significant potential for economic growth and national development. He plans to spearhead periodic meetings with mining houses to mobilize resources for various sporting disciplines, following the Zambia Under-15 Men's National Football Team's victory at the 2026 FIFA Under-15 World Cup."
By Chansa Kunda
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says sport is a lucrative business with the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and national development.
President HICHILEMA says with adequate investment and appropriate structures, sport can play an integral role in driving the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The Head of State says it is for this reason that he will spearhead periodic meetings with mining houses to mobilise resources for various sporting disciplines, with the Football Association of Zambia –FAZ- taking the lead.
President HICHILEMA has also assured FAZ that Government will help address the Association’s legacy debt, while urging it to manage its resources prudently.
He was speaking during a meet-and-greet ceremony hosted in honour of the Zambia Under-15 Men’s National Football Team, which won the Tier B category of the 2026 FIFA Under-15 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.
President HICHILEMA also advised the players to remain disciplined and prioritise their education.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports LIKANDO MUFALALI said the team’s triumph reflected the President’s vision and Government’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
MUFALALI said Government will continue working with FAZ to develop football and sustain the growth of young talent.
And FAZ President KEITH MWEEMBA has appealed to Government to establish sports centres across the country to ensure that young talent is identified, nurtured and supported.
MWEEMBA has also urged Government to recognise football as an industry capable of contributing to the Grow Zambia Agenda by transforming local talent into professional players who can secure opportunities abroad.
He further called on Government to adopt the Kopa brand as the official national sports kit, saying the move could help address the Association’s K140 million legacy debt.
In a vote of thanks, Under-15 team captain SIMON NYIRENDA appealed to Government to facilitate the provision of adequate training facilities to enable more young people to excel in football.
Originally published by ZNBC News
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