By Mike Jovic Mwendachabe
Government says it wants to invest in the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to help commercialise football and generate more revenue for the sport.
President Hakainde Hichilema says Government will engage mining companies to bring the private sector on board and strengthen financial support for football.
He says Government wants FAZ to be managed more prudently, avoid accumulating debt and redirect resources from consumption towards investing in young players.
Hichilema says he will personally meet the FAZ President and mining companies to discuss ways of supporting the association. He adds that Government will also purchase tickets for the upcoming match in Ndola and future national team games as part of its support for FAZ.
The President says Government is not a competitor to FAZ but a partner, adding that the association must make full use of its Patron. He was speaking at State House when he met the U15 Tier B World Champions, whom he congratulated for their achievement.
Hichilema says the young players must continue developing in Zambia but should also be exposed to higher standards and international competition. He has further called for unity among football supporters, saying unacceptable behaviour in stadiums must be addressed because football should bring people together.
