Zambia and Russia Friendly Match to Flavor 60th Independence Anniversary

Zambia, Russia Friendly Match to Flavor 60th Independence Anniversary

Russian Ambassador to Zambia, Azim Yarakhmedov, has announced a proposed international friendly match between Zambia and Russia, aimed at celebrating 60 years of friendship and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Earlier this year, Yarakhmedov met with FAZ President Andrew Kamanga to discuss various football matters, during which he proposed the friendly match as part of the celebrations.

During a courtesy call on FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga on Wednesday morning, Yarakhmedov highlighted Zambia’s significant improvements in football. “Let me start by appreciating what you are doing as FAZ. The women’s national team has continued to make headlines, together with the Chipolopolo. The reason for our coming here is the earlier proposal of having Zambia and Russia play an international friendly to celebrate 60 years of friendship. Zambia attained its independence on October 24, 1964, and six days later, a Russian delegation was in Zambia to establish diplomatic ties. On October 30, 2024, we will be celebrating 60 years of friendship,” Yarakhmedov said.

The ambassador emphasized the broader collaboration between the Zambian government and Russia, announcing plans for a musical concert featuring artists from both countries, with proceeds going to a charity organization of choice.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed FAZ’s commitment to arranging the friendly and engaging with the Russian Football Union to decide on convenient dates that coincide with the FIFA window. “We are happy with your visit and your Excellency, and we shall put it in writing and deliver our response before the close of this week. The friendly is settled, and what remains is just checking on the dates that will be good. This friendly will help celebrate the 60 years of friendship. We have made progress in arranging the friendly between the Russian Football Federation and ourselves,” Kamanga said.

“We are looking at some dates in September and October, closer to our Independence Day, which falls on October 24. What remains is to align the dates with the FIFA window so that both teams can feature strong sides. So, we are looking at dates September 2-10 or October 7-15. Otherwise, I can say here that nothing is stopping the friendly. We will confirm it in writing. It’s just the choice of the dates.”

The friendly match and associated events are set to be a significant highlight in the celebrations of Zambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary, reflecting the enduring friendship and cooperation between Zambia and Russia.