Maravi

Sata counsels his champions

Sata counsels his champions
By Prudence Phiri
Wed 15 Feb. 2012, 12:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has warned the national soccer team against complacency and says they should defend the Africa Cup of Nations title next year. And government has promised to consider giving houses to all the players that won the AfCON.

Meanwhile the accumulative amount given to each player by government is US$ 59,000 (US$ 10,000 for reaching quarter finals, US$ 13,000 for reaching the semi final, US$ 16,000 for reaching the final and US$ 20,000 for winning the AFCON).

Speaking during the luncheon held for the national soccer team for their AFCON victory at State House yesterday, President Sata said winning the AfCON was the beginning of hard work for the national team.

"For you the national team, don't be complacent. It's just the beginning for you, don't oversleep. It's time to work hard. It will be more painful to be defeated," said President Sata.

President Sata thanked coach Herve Renard and the corporate world for the support rendered to the national team during the AfCON campaign.

"We are grateful to coach Herve Renard, thank you to the corporate world, our all-weather friends the Chinese, Mopani and KCM."

And captain Christopher Katongo wondered why no corporate entity had pledged any houses for the team, prompting local government minister Professor Nkandu Luo to promise the team that the government would look into the matter.

"The government has heard your plea. This pride to Zambia got us thinking and I can assure you that your statement is receiving active attention and as the minster responsible for land, I will ensure all procedure is followed," Prof Luo said.

Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili said the reception that the team received on Monday was a clear indication that sport was a unifying factor.

He urged the corporate community to help revamp sports infrastructure in the country.

And MTN Zambia has pledged K200 million to the national team and K1 billion for the local league.

Zesco pledged K100 million to the team while Zhongui Mining Company pledged US$100,000, with Zamtel pledging a 29 -seater bus.

Zambeef pledged K200 million with Railway Systems of Zambia pledging K 360 million and First Quantum Minerals pledging US$50,000 towards the national team.

FQM have also pledged to engrave the names of the national soccer team that perished in the Gabon disaster in 1993 at the Independence Stadium being constructed and also engrave the national soccer team that has just won the AfCON title, in gold.

Meanwhile, the team handed over the AfCON trophy to the President.

Labels: FOOTBALL, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 3:01 PM