Talented Ndola youths excite Mulenga
MINISTER of Sports, Youth and Child Development, Emmanuel Mulenga says it is government desire to ensure that talent is identified and natured among youths for skill development.
Speaking after witnessing Ndola’s Nkwazi Ward FC beat Mapalo Ward FC 1-0 in the Independence tournament which featured teams from wards in Ndola Central Constituency at Nkwazi Football Ground, Mulenga said he was amazed with the levels of talent in various communities within Ndola.
Mulenga who is also Ndola Central Member of Parliament reaffirmed his commitment to support youths involved in activities that better their lives.
He said government led by President Lungu would support the development of
sports infrastructure using the Constituency Development Fund to supplement the development of talent among youths in various communities.
He said it is the desire of government to develop sports infrastructure that will support the talent identified during the 56th Independence Day Celebrations in Ndola.
“As we celebrate the 56 years of peace in Zambia. I thought it was important that we celebrate through a tournament. It is not a good patch but the talent that I have seen is worthy to nurture,” Mulenga said.
“I am truly amazed with the levels of talent that we have in our communities. Football being a unifying game, hundreds of our youths participated as a way to thank our forefathers for the Independence gift,” he said.
Mulenga expressed excitement that he spent time with the youth productively and prevented them from engaging in illicit activities.
“What is so pleasing is that the players were mostly below the age of 18. It is us the Members of Parliament that need to tap the talent. I have identified the talent and to nurture this talent I need to open up an academy,” said the MP.
In the second half “Micho” made a number of changes, substituting Collins Sikombe for Chaniza Zulu while Bruce Musakanya paved way for Paul Katema.
Kondwani Chiboni was withdrawn for Benedict Chepeshi as Luka Banda replaced club mate at
NAPSA Stars Luka N’guni and Emmanuel Chabula went off for Friday Samu.
“Micho” made more Changes in the 57th minute, withdrawing young Albert Kangwanda, Leonard Mulenga, Zacharia Chilongoshi and Amity Shamende for Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kebson Kamanga and Thomas Zulu.
The changes made less impact as the home team dominated the last quarter of the game and were rewarded in the 86th minute when they scored the consolation goal.
However, the Chipolopolo held on to get the much needed win which excited “Micho”.
The Serbian hailed his local charges for handing Ethiopia another defeat after playing well especially in the first half to score three goals.
The triumph handed Micho his fifth win as Chipolopolo coach from the six games he has been in charge of the Zambia National soccer team which has only recorded one lose to Kenya.