You’ll never walk alone - Absa

In a statement issued to the media, ABSA Bank Zambia PLC Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations, Mato Shimabale said the bank is exploring the option of having an expanded tournament next year after cancelling the 2020 edition due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

“As sponsors of the Absa Cup, we remain committed to sponsoring this tournament in line with our obligation to be a ‘Force for Good’ in the communities we operate.

“We are fully committed in supporting the growth of Zambian football and the talent that we have among the youth in line with the bank’s purpose of bringing possibilities to life,” Shimabale said.

He said, because of the prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic, ABSA Bank and FAZ came to an amicable decision to cancel the 2020 tournament.

“The cancellation based on the current health concerns and the decision has been made in the best interest of all stakeholders, particularly the players and team officials,” he said.

Shimabale hailed government, FAZ and SuperSport for their continued support and cooperation in working with the bank during the sponsorship of the tournament which has existed for over 10 years.

Meanwhile, FAZ general secretary Addrian Kashala said the association was saddened that the ABSA Cup was pushed to next year owing to the prevailing health crisis in the country.

Kashala noted that FAZ is happy that Absa, who are the official African Banking Partner of the English Premier League continue to commit to the development of Zambian football.

“While the cancellation of the tournament this year is disappointing to the football fans there was however no other way under the prevailing Covid-19 crisis that prescribes strict guidelines to stage matches. We look forward to a spectacular tournament next year,” Kashala said.