TP Mazembe Onwer Katumbi Visted Rainford Kalaba & Urges Increased Private Investment in Zambian Football
TP Mazembe Onwer Katumbi Visted Rainford Kalaba & Urges Increased Private Investment in Zambian Football
Moïse Katumbi, the owner of TP Mazembe and a prominent business figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has expressed his concerns about the current state of Zambian football and called for greater private investment to drive its advancement.
Katumbi’s visit to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, where he met with former Mazembe and Chipolopolo midfielder Rainford Kalaba, who was injured in a car accident on April 13, 2024, underscored his commitment to supporting football development in the region.
During his visit, Katumbi emphasized the need for Zambia to produce more athletes of Kalaba’s caliber, noting a perceived decline in the country’s footballing talent. He stressed that while government support is crucial, private investors also play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and elevating the standard of football in Zambia.
“We need more Zambian players because I think football in Zambia is not the same as it used to be; we need more Kalaba(s) in Zambia,” Katumbi remarked, highlighting the importance of cultivating a new generation of football stars.
Asserting that the responsibility for football development should not rest solely on the government’s shoulders, Katumbi urged soccer enthusiasts and business leaders in Zambia to contribute to the growth of the sport. He called upon successful entrepreneurs to invest in football academies and infrastructure, envisioning a stronger Zambian national team in the coming years with increased support.
Expressing his satisfaction at Kalaba’s recovery from the accident, Katumbi encouraged him to be grateful for his survival, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Katumbi’s visit and advocacy for greater private investment serve as a rallying cry for stakeholders across Zambia to unite in their efforts to rejuvenate and elevate the country’s footballing landscape.
As the nation grapples with challenges and opportunities in football development, Katumbi’s words resonate as a call to action for collective investment and commitment to realizing Zambia’s footballing potential.
Stay tuned for further developments as Zambia’s football community responds to Katumbi’s impassioned plea for progress and investment in the beautiful game.
