K3.8m-rich ABSA Cup on

AFTER it was called off last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the

ABSA Cup returns this season with the bank announcing an investment of K3.8 million invested in the competition which will see defending champions Zesco United starting their title defence with a quarter final clash against debutants Kansanshi Dynamos.

According to the draws held yesterday, Zanaco will face Kabwe Warriors while Lusaka Dynamos will take on Prison Leopards in the quarter finals of the compe- tition which boast of being the country’s only cup com- petition.

In the other quarter final match, Forest Rangers of Ndola will face National Di- vision One representatives Konkola Blades from Chili- labombwe.

And speaking during the launch of the 2021 ABSA Cup, Minister of Sports, Youth and Child Development Emman- uel Mulenga who was guest of honour at the event hailed ABSA Bank for its continued support to football develop- ment.

Mulenga said the ABSA Cup tournament in its 14th edition having commenced in 2007, is an important tour- nament as it is the only cup competition which give play- ers an opportunity to show- case their talents.

“I want to commend ABSA Bank for having honoured the commitment to support the development of football in Zambia.

“I want to particularly commend ABSA Bank for demonstrating resilience despite the economic hard- ships that has affected near- ly all sectors. ABSA Bank has remained committed to this sponsorship, this is greatly appreciated,” Mulenga said.

He urged the corporate world to emulate ABSA and partner with the ministry to enhance sports development to unleash the vast talents from youths looking for op- portunities to showcase their skills.

And FAZ president Andrew Kamanga applauded ABSA Bank for sponsoring the tournament even under ex- treme circumstances.

Kamanga said this year’s edition of the tournament slated for Lusaka’s Wood- lands Stadium and Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe will be tough with the winners set to pocket K600, 000.

Meanwhile, ABSA Manag- ing Director Mizinga Melu said the bank had increased the sponsorship for this year’s edition to K3.8 million to make the competition big- ger and exciting.

In a speech read by head of Marketing and Corporate Af- fairs Mato Shimabale, Melu said the Man of the Match will pocket K15, 000 while the coach of the tournament will walk away with K25, 000.

And Multi Choice Zam- bia Chief Customer Officer Leah Kooma said the firm, through Supersport will re- main a consistent partner in broadcasting the ABSA Cup tournament to help develop football in the country.

The quarterfinals will be held on March 13-14 at Woodlands Stadium while the semifinals will be staged on April 17-18 at Arthur Da- vies Stadium.

FAZ and ABSA have set the final for the weekend of April 24-25 at a venue to be advised.

Full draws

Zesco United v Kansanshi Dynamos

Zanaco v Kabwe Warriors Lusaka Dynamos v Prison Leopards

Forest Rangers v Konkola Blades.