FAZ HAILS HH
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema for gracing Saturday’s 2022 ABSA Cup final which saw Napsa Stars emerging winners ter shocking
Red Arrows
1-0 at
Nkoloma af
Stadium.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the presence of Hichilema who made his debut stadium appearance as President at Nkoloma Stadium reminded Zambians of the golden days of first President Kenneth Kaunda who made it a tradition to grace cup finals and doing the traditional kickoff from the centre circle. Kananga said the ABSA Cup final presented a perfect opportunity for the Head of State to appreciate the ins and outs of the Zambian game which plays a critical role in bringing citizens together. And After Hichilema attended his first football match as president, the association is hopeful that he will become a regular feature at match venues when the national soccer team begins the 2023 Ivory Coast AFCON qualifiers next month.
"We were privileged to have President Hakainde Hichilema leading thousands of fans that thronged Nkoloma Stadium to witness an explosive final between Napsa Stars and Red Arrows.
"It was quite reminiscent of the olden days of First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda gracing cup finals and doing the traditional kick-off from the centre circle with either juggling or kicking the ball and President Hichilema did just that to revive our memories," Kananga said.
"From the ABSA Cup experience, we have no doubt that we will see the President more often at some football matches especially when the Chipolopolo commence the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on home soil in June."
Kamanga congratulated Napsa Stars for being deserving winners of the ABSA Cup.
He said Napsa’s victory is an indication that the gap between the Super League and the Eden University league has narrowed down.
Meanwhile, Kamanga said everything is in place for a smooth showdown as the 2021/2022 soccer season come to a close next weekend with Eden University National Division One matches lined up for Saturday while the final MTN Super League games will be played on Sunday.
On the Zambia national women's team preparing for the 2022 Morocco Africa Women's Cup of Nations, Kamanga said; "With the draw out where the