The much anticipated Chipolopolo legends match against FC Barcelona Legends will see members of the 2012 AFCON winning squad take on former FC Barcelona players.
The match is being organised by the Kings of Africa in partnership with the Government through the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Sports Minister Honourable Elvis Nkandu spoke of the importance of the match and the benefits of such an event.
Nkandu said the tour will highlight Zambia as a tourist destination and he was also quick to heap high praise of 1988 African footballer of the year, Kalusha Bwalya who will be the coach of the team as the meaning of football itself.
“Football is you and you are football,” Nkandu said to the 1996 World player of the year nominee.
“The development of Sport will be undertaken by Sports Events. I am excited to tell you that the FC Barcelona Legends will play a game against the Chipolopolo legends on the 25th May,” Nkandu said.
“This tour will highlight Zambia as a key tourism destination. These are the main benefits that come with such an event.”
“There are also business opportunities that may come with an event of this nature. Our Ministry has granted Kings of Africa a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) status, tax exemption, to reduce cost burden on the company.
Funds raised through this event will go to the implementation of youth programs and community programs,” Nkandu added.
Minister of Information Honourable Chushi Kasanda who is also acting Minister of Tourism said she expects a surge in tourist activities with the coming of this event.
Meanwhile Barcelona Legends coach Albert Llopis Ferrer confirmed that eighteen FC Barcelona Legends will come to Zambia for the match.
Most notably Ronaldo de Asis Moreira popularly known as Ronaldinho, Holland legend Patrick Stephan Kluivert, and Argentine Javier Saviola.
The FC Barcelona Legends will also have an official training session on 24th of May open to the public.
Tickets for the match have since gone on sale in all ShopRite stores countrywide via Computicketing.
Nkandu sounds like “Lusambo talking to Lungu”. No wonder Kamanga has been fighting a losing battle!66⁶