RB commended for his political will on soccer

Southern Provincial Sports Coordinator, Gibson Muyaule has commended President Rupiah Banda for showing political will towards development of soccer in the country.

Muyaule said president Banda’s interest and involvement as evidenced by his chartering of a plane to ferry soccer players who had difficulties connecting flights from Angola back to Zambia is a sign that government is concerned with soccer sports affairs in the country.

He said it was encouraging to note that political leaders are helping improve falling soccer standards in the country.

Muyaule disclosed that the Ministry of Sport’s intention was to give the players US$6, 000 if they qualified but with Mr.Banda’s intervention the decision was reversed to pay the players the same amount even after losing to Nigeria in the quarter finals on post match penalties in the 2010 AFCON tournament in Angola.

He further president Banda had also helped mobilize business houses in fundraising for the Chipolopolo Boys.

Muyaule described the Chipolopolo Boys’ performance in a game against Nigeria, as excellent.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone, Muyaule said it was the first time in 14 years that Zambia reached quarter finals in Africa games.

“Chipolopolo Boys played very well and it was one of the best team at the tournament that is why they went all the way up to the penalties. As you know, penalties are a game of chance,” he observed.

However, Muyaule noted that there is need to improve on scorer adding that Zambia would have beat Nigeria had the team utilized the chances at the goal post.