By Mwila Nsofu
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has conveyed his solidarity with the Zambia Men’s National Football Team following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament currently underway in Morocco.
President HICHILEMA says while defeat is never easy, he understands both personally and as a competitor what loss feels like, and that it should not invite condemnation.
The President says there is value in returning to the drawing board to reassess, re-plan, re-strategise and ultimately relaunch with renewed purpose.
He believes the team’s elimination marks the beginning of a new national journey centred on introspection, rediscovery and the deliberate reclaiming of Zambia’s proud sporting history.
President HICHILEMA says such a journey requires time, hard work, cooperation and patience, noting that a culture driven by instant results is neither helpful nor sustainable when rebuilding a strong foundation.
The Head of State says Zambia was once a regional and continental sporting powerhouse built on a vibrant grassroots sports culture.
He adds that local authority facilities played a key role in identifying and nurturing talent across various sporting disciplines, while schools produced football “schoolboy internationals” through well-structured and competitive inter-provincial tournaments.
President HICHILEMA says it is saddening and heartbreaking that much of the grassroots sports infrastructure in schools and local authorities has been lost in recent years through unregulated and, in many cases, corrupt acquisitions.
He says this has weakened the foundation upon which sporting excellence was built.
In response, President HICHILEMA has called for a sports revolution beginning in 2026, anchored on rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening school and community grassroots sports facilities across the country as centres for talent identification and development.
The President has also called for sustained dialogue and partnership among stakeholders, including the private sector, sports institutions and Government, to chart a clear and collective path forward.
President HICHILEMA has further directed the Ministries of Lands, Youth, Sport and Arts, Local Government, and other relevant institutions to ensure that all new housing and corporate developments include designated and properly developed sports and recreational facilities for youths and the general public.
He says this moment represents a reset and an opportunity to rebuild Zambian sport deliberately, inclusively and for lasting success.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA.
Source: ZNBC