President Hichilema Pledges More Support for Sports and Athlete Financial Literacy
President Hichilema Pledges More Support for Sports and Athlete Financial Literacy
President Hakainde Hichilema has committed to increasing government support for sports, recognizing it as a key business opportunity.
During the State Banquet in honor of the Under-17 boys and girls teams, as well as CAF award recipients Barbra Banda and Diana Chikotesha, Hichilema emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting sports initiatives.
“I want to assure Mr. Foloko (NOC president), FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, and all sports administrators that this government is your partner. We will allocate more resources to sports,” Hichilema said.
The President also praised the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for its successful decentralization efforts, which have made talent identification more accessible.
“I congratulate you for decentralization and your talent identification structures.
Every Zambian, no matter where they are born—be it Chama, Shango’mbo, Kashinakzhi, or Mporokoso—should have the opportunity to prove themselves. We want to give everyone a chance in life,” Hichilema added.
In his address, the President highlighted the importance of financial literacy for athletes, urging government support for financial education programs.
“When you earn money, take care of it. We need to work with financial institutions to provide athletes with financial training and advisory services.
It’s essential that they understand how to manage their finances,” Hichilema said. “Without proper management, many young athletes struggle later in life. Let’s equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.”
Additionally, Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sports across the board, citing the recent banquet honoring Commonwealth 400-meter gold medalist Muzala Samukonga.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga expressed gratitude for the government’s support of FAZ, particularly for the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens national teams.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your continued support. We hope the draft Memorandum of Understanding defining this support can be signed soon,” Kamanga said.
He also introduced the KoPa brand, which is produced in China at competitive prices and sold at affordable rates, providing a potential revenue stream for FAZ.
Kamanga shared plans for the $10 million Chipolopolo bond to ensure FAZ’s financial independence.
Barbra Banda, the CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year, thanked Hichilema for his efforts to empower women and young people through sports.
“Your support reflects your commitment to sports development in Zambia. To my fellow athletes, especially the U-17 Boys and Girls, your dedication has brought pride to our nation,” Banda said.
“This award is not just for me, but for every Zambian who believes in the power of football to unite and uplift.”
CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year, Diana Chikotesha, praised Hichilema’s extraordinary support for sports and encouraged athletes to prioritize education alongside their athletic careers.
“Let’s follow the President’s advice to combine education with sport. In case of injury or as we age, our education will be our fallback.
It’s not just about injuries, but also about ensuring we are prepared for the future as our skills evolve,” Chikotesha concluded.
