‘Zambian football fans starved’
MINISTER of Sports Youth and Arts Elvis Nkandu says the exhibition match between Chipolopolo legends and Barcelona legends has shown how Zambian fans have been starved of exciting football.
On Thursday, the 2012 AFCON winning Chipolopolo legends thumped Barcelona legends led by Ronaldinho 3-0 thanks to goals from striker Collins Mbesuma, James Chamanga and Clifford Mulenga.
The match, meant to market the country’s tourism potential was witnessed by over 50 million people who followed on TV and the over 60, 000 who filled Heroes Stadi- um to capacity.
In an interview after the game of- ciated by retired Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe, Nkandu said his ministry was proud to have played a key role in uniting
Zambian football fans.
“This is an exciting moment for the Zambian fans. I think you have seen how they have been starved with football so for me I’m very impressed that the stadium for the first time was full to capacity and we saw a lot of people outside that is a clear demonstration that people want to watch football,” Nkandu said.
Nkandu noted the need for Chipolopolo legends to be part of football organisation in the
country to inspire the next generations of football stars.
“What is important to note is the fact that what we have exhibited today seeing our former active footballers being part of football.
“We need to make sure that they are part of football. This is not the first and last engagement we have with them and we want to make sure that they are also active and part of our plans to inspire our young people. What we have witnessed, there is a lot of inspiration amongst the young people,” Nkandu said. He said the exhibition match has given the 2012 AFCON heroes hope and the government will make sure that it unites the country through sports. Nkandu said the exhibition match against Barcelona is not the final one as Government is committed to organise more legendary matches with teams such as Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United.