Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Andrew Kamanga has implored the North-Western Province FAZ executive to continue investing in youth football if the region is to contribute players to the national team.
Kamanga says the province is seemingly failing to contribute players to the various national teams despite having been a football giant in the past.
He said it is unfortunate that the province is lagging behind in providing players adding that there is need for the region to reclaim its past glory.
“Seemingly, the province is lagging behind in terms of providing players to the various national teams,” Kamanga said.
ZANIS reports that Kamanga was speaking during the second provincial FAZ annual general meeting in Solwezi yesterday.
He called on the executive committee to come up with provincial teams for under 15,17,20 and 23 for both boys and girls.
” This is the only way, we are going to go back to the past glory where North-Western Province was able to provide most players for the national team,” he said.
Kamanga said provincial teams will provide a wider choice for selection to the national team adding that it is not only a preserve for those along the line of rail.
Kamanga also implored the North-western province executive not to relent in securing sponsorship for all clubs saying FAZ wants to see football reach a point where it is financially sustainable.
” Do not just focus on the big investors, I am aware that we have a number of businesses in all parts of the province and as an executive, you will do well to approach all those small businesses for sponsorship for the various clubs,” he advised.
And North-Western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu called for the works at the Solwezi Independence Stadium to be expedited as they are moving at a slow pace.
Lihefu said people are anxious to see the rehabilitation of the stadium complete in record time.
North-Western Province FAZ Chairperson, Arthur Kamulosu said the sports kits and equipment given to clubs will go a long way in developing the game in the province.
About US$300,000 will be spent to rehabilitate the Solwezi stadium with support from the world football governing body FIFA.