Former 400 meters hurdles World champion and 1996 Olympic Games silver medallist Samuel Matete has confirmed he will challenge Elias Mpondela for the Zambia Athletics Association presidency.
Zambia’s most successful sports personality who also won gold at the 1993 Commonwealth Games declared his candidature at a press briefing on Saturday at Lunte Guest House in Kitwe.
Matete also admitted that he was expecting a very tough challenge for the ZAA top job against the controversial long-serving president.
“As you may be aware the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association will be having an elective annual general meeting in a few months according to the constitution. So as of today I have decided to aspire for the position of the president of the Zambia amateur athletics association because I want to revamp and develop athletics in my country,” Matete said.
“The current state of athletics in the country means it will take many years basically to develop the kind of athletes that we want to bring medals to Zambia. When elected I will set short and long term goals on this issue.
“I think in every battle you don’t expect to fight without firing back. I know this is a battle that is not going to be easy. There will be fights and you will start hearing all sort of things. It is unfortunate that life is like that.”
LT stop your silly facebook journalism.
when will you grow up and report correctly?
Matete, you are used to hurdles naiwe, clear them. Elias is nothing but a fast talker. He is slimy like a slug, throw some salt on him and you will be fine.
@Gen
What haven’t LT reported correctly?
Finally, perhaps just; someone to replace his exellency ZAAA life president Elias Mpondela.
Were the progressives are behind you Mr Matete. You’re absolutely right, they will try to get personal and smear you, because they can’t fault your illustrious career.
‘
mr mpondela shud not even contest.his tym is up.contest 4 what?he shud try farming and create the much needed employment
Yes the time has come for atheletees to run atheletics. Just like soccer is beig rn by Kalusha.
Well I strongly feel so,but we as well need a strong political will for this battle to be won. Having been an athlete,and at one time an administrator in athletes,I still believe people like Samuel need to have been supporting at least some athlete if not a club. Anyway it’s a battle am back home soon also standing as ZAAA president only finalising on my campaign materials,it is all political now.
LT,
Correct the name. It is not Matate, but Matete.
Elias should just step aside in the interest of Zambian athletics…there is absolutely nothing he has done apart from raking up air miles on his passport and treat his lady friends to Vip tickets.
How I wish this were possible at FAZ?
Matete you are the man, NOT THAT PAEDOPHILE called Mpondela, ali pondela abaiche sana!!
The Zambia Amateur Athletics Association has suspened it Copperbelt Chairman Chkolokoso and Lusaka Province Athletics Area Baord Chairman Man Muchimba who is also the General Secretary of National Sports Council of Zambia.
This culture of suspending each other in ZAAA must not be entertained at all costs, whenever we are about to hold elections anyone with a different ideas is suspended. I have no ill feelings about the Elias lead executive, have been in their support they know this but not in support of this dirty culture of suspending friends. Not everyone will be in support of your beliefs,not even your brother level the playing field. I still know one mutola nkani wa ZAAA on the copperbelt..ni change goal bane.
NO JOB on training for ZAA presidency, we want tested leadership to continue AS IN MPONDELA, where has matete lead any aAssociation let alone a PE teacher, the only thing he knows is running in SAND kwa haye..UKOKWINE ATASE
Stop hating. Learn to be proud of your own. He is the only one with a good track and field record in Zambia as far as medals go coupled with international exposure.