Eastern Province FAZ Chair Hails Sakala for Historic Provincial Cup Sponsorship
Eastern Province FAZ Chair Hails Sakala for Historic Provincial Cup Sponsorship
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed its admiration for Fashion Sakala, lauding his generous sponsorship of the Eastern Province Cup. The K700,000 tournament, a landmark event in the province, was celebrated at its conclusion by Eastern Province chairperson Crispin Kamuna. He highlighted the impact of Sakala’s contribution and urged other active and former footballers to follow his example in giving back to their communities.
“The investment that has been put into this tournament is the first of its kind from an individual. It is priceless because it is from our own son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. For us, he stands out as one great Easterner who has openly chosen to spread his love among the people he grew up from,” Kamuna said. “We confirm that the tournament is to a total sum of K700,000. I am proud standing here to state that this money has been spent on teams to allow them to compete and showcase their prowess, talents, skills, and teamwork.”
A total of 54 teams participated and benefitted from the tournament fund. Kamuna expressed hope that the players would emulate Sakala’s dedication and work ethic, leading to further personal and community development.
Fashion Sakala, the Al-Fayha star, also expressed his gratitude to the people of Eastern Province for their support in realizing his dream of hosting a provincial cup. “Thank you, my father, for the great work he has done. He was serious the moment I told him that I want to support the Eastern Province Cup tournament,” said a teary Sakala. “I have done it in rural areas, but the big dream was to do it for the whole province, and I am very happy with the support from you all. People of Eastern Province, let’s continue uniting because what we’re doing today is for the next generation.”
Sakala emphasized the unifying power of soccer and called on business people to support the sport in Eastern Province, with the aim of eventually having a team compete in the Super League. He expressed his broader vision of hosting similar tournaments nationwide in the future.
The tournament concluded with Petauke Young Nkwazi being crowned champions after edging Mika FC 6-5 on post-match penalties, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Individual accolades were also awarded: Wezi Jere received the Top Scorer’s award with six goals, Young Mfuwe Resource Centre’s Timothy Zulu was named Young Player of the Tournament, and Jingi Jere was voted Coach of the Tournament. Young Nkwazi players Gilbert Lungu, Hellings Ngoma, and Hazel Banda were recognized as Player of the Tournament, Best Defender, and Best Goalkeeper, respectively, with each individual award accompanied by a K1,000 prize.
The champions, Young Nkwazi, walked away with K35,250 and a trophy, while runners-up Mika FC received K30,250. Third-placed Petauke United earned K26,250, and fourth-placed Young Mfuwe Resource Centre secured a K25,250 cash prize.
Sakala’s sponsorship and the success of the tournament have set a new precedent for community involvement and support for grassroots football in Eastern Province.
