Maravi

Job well done - Sata

Job well done - Sata
By Staff reporters
Tue 14 Feb. 2012, 13:00 CAT

IT is a job well done, President Michael Sata told Chipolopolo boys yesterday. And Dr Kenneth Kaunda says God honoured Zambians with victory against Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, first lady Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata will today host a special luncheon at State House in honour of the Chipolopolo Boys.

In a statement issued by special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, President Sata said the team's momentous achievement had further galvanised the country which had undergone great renewal of hope in the last few months.

"You have really honoured your departed colleagues who perished during the course of national duty off the coast of Gabon. To the coaches, team management, Football Association of Zambia executive and everybody involved, I say it is a job well done," he said.

"You went with admirable humility, competed with heart, unity and patriotism and accounted for every drop of your sweat. The result of your hard work is the trophy which you have brought to your motherland for the first time."

President Sata said the government attached great importance to the development of football and was greatly encouraged by the splendid performance of the Zambia national soccer team.

"That is precisely why I sent our beloved icon and founding president Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, my predecessor Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda and his honour the Vice-President Dr Guy Scott and Cabinet ministers. This gesture was meant to demonstrate to you and the entire nation how much importance we attach to football and how this sport unifies our country," he said.

"Indeed, you have demonstrated once again that nothing beats unity and hope and it is my desire that you will continue with this spirit as you pursue even greater success."

President Sata said with the 2014 World Cup qualifiers kicking off in June this year, it was imperative for the team to continue working hard to record yet another milestone at a higher level.

And in an interview yesterday, Dr Kaunda who watched the final in Gabon, said Zambians would never forget the struggles they had faced to become African football champions.

"This is truly a great day indeed and how can we forget the challenges we have faced, including the demise of our young gallant men who perished off the coast of Libreville, Gabon! This is an amazing experience and we can only thank God for this joyous moment. The people of Zambia have been honoured and we have to be grateful to the Creator for this victory," Dr Kaunda said.

"We should also remember the support we received from the Gabonese people who filled the stadium to capacity and gave morale to our boys even when the referee misbehaved a bit and I also thank President Ali Bongo and other heads of State who came to witness the great occasion."

Dr Kaunda, who occasionally jogged in the plane's aisle and sang his trademark Tiyende pamodzi ndi mutima uyo, advised that the government do everything possible to enhance and maintain the standards showed by the national football team.

"The boys played very well and I left that place (stadium in Gabon) very much impressed when I saw that Zambia is able to do such a thing...beating the so-called giants in football. But we should do everything possible to maintain these standards by revamping schools and youth leagues," said Dr Kaunda.

"We should also thank the Gabonese government for giving us chance to pay homage to the fallen football heroes and I hope they will allow us to build a monument near the crash site in memory of our departed men."

And former president Rupiah Banda said it was interesting to see the players believing in themselves.

"Zambians' win is shocking but it was so good and I am happy the boys did it in style in memory of the late colleagues and the next step is the World Cup," he said.

Foreign affairs minister Given Lubinda said the victory against the Ivoirians could be described as divine intervention.

"The victory is timely and this must inspire all Zambians to be united by continuing living in peace and harmony and there is no better way to honour the Gabonese football victims than what happened (victory) last (Sunday) night," said Lubinda.

"Now the spirits of the fallen football heroes will truly rest in peace because what they stood for has been partly achieved."

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao said China was happy to see Zambia emerging victorious.

Several Chinese companies sponsored a chartered plane for soccer fans to watch the final in Libreville.

"We are proud and we hope to see Zambia performing better in the future and this gesture to take soccer fans including former presidents to watch the championships is part of our corporate social responsibility," said Ambassador Zhou.

The plane carrying the national team touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 15:53 hours and was greeted by the popular Chipolopolo Iyeee chant.

Vice-President Guy Scott was first to disembark followed by government and FAZ officials and players.

Team captain Christopher Katongo emerged last with the trophy.

Scorer of the winning goal, Stophila Sunzu, was splashed with champagne by fans at the airport.

The players got onto a military vehicle, ACMAD, and left under police escort.

Katongo lifted the trophy and showed it to fans who lined up on Great East Road on their way to the Showgrounds.

Nathan Sinkala who was appearing for the first time at the Africa Cup finals said it was a great feeling to have won the cup.

He said the team did it for the fallen heroes who died in 1993 and for the many fans at home who rallied behind them.

"It was not easy to lift the trophy but we kept fighting because we knew what we were there for. It's a great feeling to see all these fans welcoming us," he said.

The team was received by Lusaka Province minister Gerry Chanda, defence minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Lusaka mayor Daniel Chisenga, National Sports Council of Zambia chairperson Chifumu Banda, deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Teddy Mulonga. Musicians MC Wabwino and JK were on hand to receive the Chipolopolo boys.

Hundreds of fans, some having had spent Sunday night at the airport according to airport officials, climbed trees and towers at the airport to catch a glimpse of the players.

The fans sang solidarity songs looking at each and every plane that arrived thinking it was carrying their national team.

Thousands of enthusiastic fans trooped to the Showgrounds where a victory concert was staged.

Thousands of fans stayed awake throughout Sunday night singing and merry-making.

Workers, as well as pupils at government schools, had an early day with some virtually declaring a 'holiday' to celebrate the Chipolopolo victory.

Many workers left their offices by lunchtime while classes were suspended as early as 09:00 hours in some schools because there were no pupils to teach.

Zambia and other countries in Southern Africa have been engulfed in wild celebrations after the Chipolopolo were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for 2012.

In Petauke, Lundazi and Chipata, residents sang the famous Don't Kubeba song and caused a traffic jam after Zambia beat Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup final.

After Nsunzu converted the last spot kick to give Zambia its maiden AfCON victory, residents dashed to the streets blowing vuvuzelas while others ran around without shirts.

And Malawians and Zambians resident in Malawi joined in celebrating the win.

First secretary for press at Zambia's High Commission in Lilongwe Chansa Kabwela said Zambians there went wild following the Chipolopolo Boys' victory.

According to Kabwela, Zambians who gathered at Lilongwe's Crossroads Hotel to watch the match danced and sang songs in jubilation immediately Zambia scored the winning goal.

"During the gruelling 120 minutes of play, the crowd, which included Zambians and Malawians, watched enthusiastically and chanted slogans in support of the Zambian side. After the final whistle, celebrations continued into the early hours of Monday (yesterday) as the people, clad in Zambian colours, played loud music from their vehicles while others honked their vehicles as they drove to their homes," she stated in an emailed statement.

Kabwela stated that the beaming of the match on a big screen at the hotel was organised by the Association of Zambians Living in Malawi.

Zambia's Deputy High Commissioner to Malawi Henry Ngilazi said the triumph at the 2012 African Cup of Nations was well deserved.

"The boys have indeed honoured the Zambia national soccer players who died in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon in 1993. This is a pivotal moment in Zambia's history. But I must mention that this victory is surely not just for Zambia but the Southern African region," Ngilazi said.

"On behalf of the Zambian mission in Lilongwe, I wish to congratulate the team, the Football Association of Zambia and all Zambians on this momentous occasion."

Association of Zambians Living in Malawi chairperson Pastor Eugene Chinunga said the national soccer team had made the country proud.

"We are proud of what the Chipolopolo Boys have done. We are so excited and wish the boys all the best in the entire season and years to come. We also want to wish His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata the best as he governs the country," said Pastor Chinunga.

"We have seen this victory during his tenure. There is unity demonstrated through his leadership going by the high-powered delegation he sent to give morale to the players. He has the people of Zambia at heart."

The Malawian media has been giving Zambia positive coverage throughout the tournament while radio stations continue to play Zambian songs in praise of the Chipolopolo Boys.

Labels: FOOTBALL, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:12 PM