Eto’o wows Bauleni community ahead of Castle Africa 5’s

Football legend and former Cameroonian national team striker Samuel Eto’o thrilled people in Lusaka’s Bauleni area on Friday (May 25) as he visited the community’s football pitch, which is being rehabilitated by Zambian Breweries, as part of its responsible alcohol programme
The soccer giant was in Lusaka for the first ever Castle Africa 5’s football tournament to be hosted by Zambia and joined the Area MP and Minister of Finance Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe in Bauleni where they handed over sports and educational material donated by Zambian Breweries.
The community was later surprised with a visit from the First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who counselled youth on the importance of fair play, and working together,  and the need to avoid harmful practices.
The four-time recipient of the African Footballer of the Year award noted that football is a great tool for developing communities, especially in underprivileged ones, and promoting good in society.
The Bauleni Primary football pitch, aims to help in developing football talent as part of the Zambian Breweries goal to create a better world by engaging youth on constructive activities through sports under its three-year responsible drinking programme.
“It is an honour for me because it wasn’t too long ago that I was in a similar situation; football made me the person that I am today. It’s an honour and a pleasure for me to be a part of this initiative that is giving back to the community,” said Eto’o, who was also accompanied by his counterpart and Castle Africa 5’s ambassador Christopher Katongo.
“We hope that with this legacy pitch, the youth will direct their energy towards harnessing their sporting talent rather than spend it on unproductive and harmful activities such underage drinking, drug abuse,” added Zambian Breweries Country Director Jose Moran.
As countdown to the final begins, Eto’o’s presence at the five-a-side tournament adds another dimension of excitement even as the teams gear up for the matches on the 26th and 27th May, 2018 at the Futsal Complex in Longacres, Lusaka.
Zambia will be represented in the continental finals by Stout One FC who will go up against their southern central African counterparts from South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The winning team will walk away with an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the 42nd match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, hosted by Samuel Eto’o.
“We are very excited that Zambia is hosting the inaugural Castle Africa 5’s Continental Final which is currently the biggest of its kind in Africa. The tournament showcases the spirit of friendship and unity through football. We are also happy to be hosting our friends from around the southern African regions, who share the same passion as we do for the beautiful game,” said Mr Moran.
Castle Lager has sponsored football on the African continent for over 60 years and continues to provide fans with the opportunity to live out their passion for the beautiful game through this unique and exciting five-a-side tournament. .
The popularity of five-a-side football, a variation of association football in which each team fields five players, has grown considerably in recent years and is now played by millions across the globe.
Mr Moran concluded on a lighter note: “Now is when the hard work begins for the teams as this is the final leg of the competition and they have to bring their best game. But only one can come out on top so we look forward to crowning the winners. All the same, there will be a lot of comradery and we hope that family and friends turn up in numbers to give their support.”
Zambian Breweries continues with its dream of bringing people together for a better world by supporting music, cultural and sporting events.
As one of the world’s leading footballers, Eto’o won 14 major trophies, including the prestigious UEFA Champions League three times, twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star, a four-time recipient of the African Footballer of the Year award and who has also played in three World Cup tournaments is an inspirational figure to up-and-coming African players.