CHIEF MIBENGE, CHISUNKA HAIL GOVERNMENT

By MacPherson Mukuka *in Mansa*

Two Traditional Leaders in Mansa District of Luapula Province have hailed government for the massive development it has taken to the area.

Chief MIBENGE says the PF government under the leadership of President EDGAR LUNGU has not left any stone unturned in developing Mansa rural.

He says Mansa and Luapula Province as a whole has seen greater development under the PF Government.

Chief MIBENGE cited the construction of the health facilities and roads as some of the developments the PF Government has take to the area.

The Traditional leader has further thanked Government for not taking sides in developing the country.

Meanwhile, Chief MIBENGE has praised President EDGAR LUNGU for leading the nation in a Christian manner.

And Chief CHISUNKA has thanked Government for recognising Chiefs as partners in development.

He says a regular visit to traditional leaders’ palaces by President LUNGU is an indication that the PF government respects the role Chiefs play in national development.

Chief CHISUNKA has also thanked President EDGAR LUNGU for the respect he has accorded to Chiefs through the increment of allowances.

The dual was speaking when PF Bahati parliamentary candidate HARRY KALABA and PF Mansa mayoral candidate EMMANUEL CHUNGU paid a courtesy call of them.

Meanwhile Mr. Kalaba has thanked the traditional leaders for support they give government.

He's says Traditional leaders are beacons of wisdom in the country.

Mr. Kalaba says the Government cannot operate effectively without the consultation of chiefs who are the custodians of the people.

He says government recognises the role chiefs play in national development adding that government is always eager to work with chiefs.

GAME ON! COPA COCA-COLA KICKS OFF

By MacPherson Mukuka in Lusaka

The 2016 COPA Coca-Cola schools football tournament kicked off at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka this week.

The competition, which drew over 450 schools from around the country, saw ten secondary school teams qualify for the finals this week, with each province represented.

There are two groups in the competition with five teams each and the two teams that will qualify from the groups will play the final slated for Saturday, July 9, 2016.

The first game of the tournament saw Mwavi Secondary School, representing Lusaka, facing off against Muchinga Secondary of Muchinga Province in a one-sided derby that saw Mwavi clinch a 3-nil victory over their oponents.

The draws for the competition were conducted last Thursday (June 30, 2016) morning at a media briefing held at the Zambian Breweries offices in Lusaka.

The competition has received wide support, with endorsement and sponsorship from government through the ministry of education, tourism, and corporate help from title sponsor Coca-Cola.

COPA Coca-Cola is the premier grassroots football tournament sponsored by the drinks brand in partnership with the Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSA) and the Ministry of Education. The initiative commenced in 1993 with only 100 schools participating and has now grown to include 450 government and private schools in Zambia.

The tournament has a number of professional football players among its alumni including 2012 AFCON winners Stoppila Sunzu and Kennedy Mweene.

Zambian Breweries Managing Director, Annabelle Degroot says her company recognises that there cannot be a healthy and growing business unless the communities it serves are healthy and sustainable.

She says as a global beverage company, Coca-Cola has committed itself to improving the quality of life in the communities where we do business.

The sponsorship covers prize money, transport and logistics, accommodation and meals for teams and officials, kits and other Coke branded clothing, soccer balls, hire of football pitches and payment to referees.

The best 13 players during the finals this week to form the country’s COPA Coca-Cola team that travels for international camps for ten days.

In 2015 Chizongwe were crowned champions following a thrilling final at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka. The Eastern Province team beat 2014 runners-up, Chongwe High School 4-1.

As part of its Live for a Difference commitment to communities, COPA Coca-Cola promotes an active, healthy lifestyle while fostering teens’ interest in soccer.

The tournament offers youth an opportunity to meet and interact with peers across the country as well as other nations. The programme also provides opportunities to recognise rising soccer talent among community youth.

In order to broaden their exposure and heighten their aspirations to become “the best of the best” in football, Coca-Cola also leverages its unique association with FIFA to give the young stars a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch an international match live.

Across Africa, COPA Coca-Cola is played in 23 other countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Congo, Swaziland, Nigeria and South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burundi. Outside the continent, COPA Coca-Cola is also played in the Americas, Europe and Asia and is in a total 64 countries over 1.3 million players.

Source Langmead and Baker