Abidal will be accompanied by former Real Madrid player, Rayco Garcia, with whom he is expected to meet relevant Government and private corporate stakeholders in ensuring that logistical arrangements were in place before the visit by one of Spain’s leading football clubs.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba announced the development in Pretoria this morning.
A French international across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cups – finishing second in 2006 – and Euro Championship in 2008.
Mr. Mwamba said that Garcia has pledged to promote soccer in Zambia by conducting coaching clinics and putting up a soccer academy. Garcia has also indicated plans to take talented Zambian youths into the famous ‘La Liga’, the Spanish League, beginning next season.
He said Barcelona Football Club is expected to play an exhibition match with the Zambia National Soccer Team and also visit tourism spots around the country.
“We believe the economic and tourism benefits to the country are immense as visits of such high profile personalities stand to put Zambia on the world map,” Mr. Mwamba said.
Abidal was born 11 September 1979 is a French retired professional footballer who played as a left back or a central defender. In his career he played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona Football Club, winning 21 major titles the two teams combined, including two Champions League trophies with the latter.
A French international across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cups – finishing second in 2006 – and Euro 2008.
This is a good opportunity for Zambian players which they have to seize!
Never heard of him.
@VJ Rigger
Its either you are young or you new to DSTV.
You mawmba, we are still waiting for the free wifi in lusaka that you promised 6 months ago or was that just another con photo opportunity for you to get in the news ?
I thought I was the only one that remembered that outlandish promise lol. Premature pronouncements by this dishonorable man.
Ninshi we dont have our embassy in spain? Why the representative from south africa attending spain issues and why not anyone from Faz involved… Everthing is jumbled in zambia
Have you been to a Zambian embassy abroad? Answer yourself that question and you shall appreciate the haphazard Emmanuel Mwamba Ambassador lol.
Mwamba again what does he do in that embassy in RSA? The crook is so full of himself…you will find he has sold that embassy.
I am a Chelsea fans but I can’t wait for Barcelona to visit Zambia this is good news to all soccer fans in Zambia lets stand together for this at list no politics.
correct