Greetings to all the supporters of the beautiful game! As December approaches, more football action is coming our way, allowing us to wrap up the year on a high note. This week, our under-17 boys and girls will kick off their 2024 Cosafa campaign in Johannesburg. The boys’ tournament is particularly exciting as it will serve as a qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). We are proud to share that the team has successfully undergone the necessary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests, among other requirements for the tournament.
Our commitment to fair play and integrity is unwavering, and we continue to uphold high standards, ensuring that no team can cheat. The events of 2016 are still fresh in our memory, and we have worked hard to eliminate any possibility of dishonesty. All participating teams will be required to undergo a CAF-prescribed MRI test before the tournament commences.
The under-17 tournament holds significant importance as we aim to add this team to the growing list of Zambian national teams that will be participating in AFCON. The Chipolopolo, Copper Queens, and our under-20 boys have already secured their AFCON spots. Additionally, we are eagerly awaiting the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, where Zambia will face Mozambique in a two-legged tie. The team has already started their camp, and we are closely monitoring preparations to ensure they are ready for the challenge ahead.
On the administrative front, we have successfully completed our 10-province administrators training program, which will transform the management of football in Zambia. It was an honor to empower our provincial leaders with knowledge in areas such as technical skills, club licensing, marketing, management, and refereeing. This initiative aligns perfectly with our decentralization policy, which brings football back to the provinces. This training will be an ongoing effort, helping administrators develop the skills needed to grow the sport across the country.
The most exciting news to come out of Football House this week is the arrival of Global Tracking System (GPS) equipment for all 18 Super League teams. As part of our commitment to modernize club operations, we secured GPS equipment for every Super League team with the support of FIFA. This equipment will be distributed in the coming days, and we are confident it will revolutionize the Zambian game. We urge the clubs to take great care of this valuable equipment, as it has come at significant cost.
