Zambia earned an excellent opening day 2-1 win over Senegal in Group A of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Emmanuel Mayuka opened the scoring for Zambia after only 12 minutes.

Career

Mayuka is a former player for hometown Kabwe Warriors. In early 2008, Mayuka was the youngest player at the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations and he made his competition debut against Sudan.He is included in the 23 man team for zambia 2012 AFCON

 Club Career

 Maccabi Tel Aviv

In September, he joined Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. In April 2010 Mayuka renewed his contract at Maccabi Tel Aviv until 2014.

BSC Young Boys

On 28 May 2010, it was confirmed that Mayuka had signed a five year contract with Swiss club BSC Young Boys for a transfer fee of 1.7m US, paid to Maccabi Tel Aviv as the replacement for Seydou Doumbia, who was sold to CSKA Moscow. On 17 February 2011, Mayuka scored a last-minute goal against Russian club FC Zenit Saint Petersburg in a 1/32 final UEFA Europa League match to help his team to a 2:1 home win.

 International career

He was part of the class of 2007 under-20 which included Fwayo Tembo, Clifford Mulenga, Sebastian Mwansa, William Njovu, Stophira Sunzu, Joseph Zimba, Rogers Kola, Jacob Banda, Nyambe Mulenga and Dennis Banda. He was the youngest player at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the only school boy in the team. Despite not scoring there, many soccer pundits and fans acknowledged his contribution to one of the finest youth squads in Zambian football history.

Mayuka was not part of the U-20s that participated earlier that year at the African Youth Cup in Congo (where Zambia finished fourth) but, in the first game against Jordan, he was picked in the starting lineup, and remained such for the other two group stage matches and the round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

Mayuka debuted for the senior side in the 2007 COSAFA Cup, scoring the second goal in a 3–0 rout of Mozambique.

The African Nations Cup will give Mayuka a platform on which to showcase his precocious striking talent. Linked with Premier League sides Fulham and Newcastle United and with clubs from France, Russia and Germany all thought to be keeping tabs on his progress, the Chipolopolo forward could soon find himself plying his trade in one of Europe’s top divisions.

BY KAPA187

The Tears of a Fool and the Dreams of a Panafricanist

By Emmanuel Mumba Katyoka

“I said experience should speak, gray hair should teach…….but it is the spirit in man, the breath of the most high that gives understanding” Job 32:7, 8
I have waited long to express my thoughts, waited for my youthful zeal to be tempered by the experience of life and the benefits of gray hair. For life will oft give wisdom and experience in exchange for ones years. I waited for life, waited to give it my years, hoping that somehow time would afford me a greater measure of wisdom and understanding.

I tried to hold my peace long enough for a few gray hairs to appear but “my thoughts within me are like a fire locked up in my bones”

For as I look on Africa the continent of my fore-fathers, I see a continent shaped like a question mark. It is as though a question was asked…but went unnoticed, faded with time until only a question mark remained; leaving behind a puzzle that has continued to defy the intellects of philosophers, scholars and statesmen alike.

For Africa is a continent faced with a multiplicity of problems, intricately woven into a tapestry of misery, pain and despair. Is there hope for
Africa? You ask;[pullquote]Millions of Africans cannot see beyond the hunger, civil war, corruption, bad leadership, unfulfilled political promises and a future that looks bleak by the day; having been told it is in the skin[/pullquote],

Africa has many questions. Questions you see etched on the brows of a million labourers failing to make ends meet, questions you see on the swollen stomachs of fatherless malnourished children in the streets asking how they got here, Questions that you see lurking behind the smiles of prostitutes prowling the dark streets of many a city across the continent.

Searching the major news networks of the world, one cannot help but observe how poverty continues to wear an African face. Our forefathers dreamed of pan-Africanism, today we Dream of an ‘African renaissance’. Yet Like one who dreams he eats and awakes hungry, the hopes of the masses remain unrealized and the rat race continues unabated. Is there hope for Africa?

The Tears of a Fool

Legend has it that when Alexander the great reached the banks of the river tibre, he broke down and cried “there are no worlds to conquer.” Unbeknown to him, his tears were nothing more than the creation of his map writer’s ignorance. For the map Alexander held in his hands showed him that the world ended at the river tibre.

Millions of Africans cannot see beyond the hunger, civil war, corruption, bad leadership, unfulfilled political promises and a future that looks bleak by the day; having been told it is in the skin, it is genetic, it’s a curse from God, it’s a Blackmans problem, and it’s an African problem. Nothing can change.

So like Alexander, they weep. But Unbeknown to Africa, its misery like that of Alexander is nothing but the creation of the map writer’s ignorance.
For God does not make winners or losers, he only makes ‘choosers’ and choice is more powerful than chance. Africa needs to make choices; Choices of leadership, education systems and priorities.

Africa needs to choose the future over today. To choose the best among its sons to lead the way into the future; for though Africa has no shortage of leaders, Africa has a shortage of visionaries. For Leaders can only look but visionaries can see. Africa has needed a microscope to see a cell and a telescope to see the stars. But in order to see the future, Africa will need visionary Leaders. Those who can discard the map of limitation and look to the ultimate map writer who said “If you can only believe….. All things are possible…….”

For a nation or a people to overcome the challenges of backwardness and economic stagnation requires effective knowledge management and a sustained commitment to attaining thought leadership. Africa needs to focus and manage its learning needs beyond the attainment of literacy and basic education towards research and development.

Man has explored space and discovered that the universe continues to expand at the speed of light. We in Africa need to explore the ‘universe of ideas’ and expand our reach in the areas of science, technology and research with thought at the speed of light.

We need to think. Thoughts are free. But thoughts do not cost the same. Some thoughts are worthless, some costly, others- worth a million dollars.

We in Africa, need to define a new standard of thought, vision,conduct and achievement. Poverty does not grow out of the soil of Africa, It is manmade. Blaming the past and burying our heads in the sands of neo colonialist conspiracy theories will not take Africa forward. Africa needs to use its imagination to see a future worthy of its endowments.

I believe God shaped Africa like a question mark, in order to let us know that the key to resolving the many challenges that beset our continent and indeed the third world, lies in our ability to question and challenge the status quo, To question our poverty, to question the boundaries of our expectations and to begin to place a demand on our ability. Africa has been great before. Africa was the continent of the great pyramids, the continent where paper was invented and yet today the continent suffers from widespread illiteracy.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well”
(Psalm 139:14, NKJ)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever noticed that when you ask someone “Who are you?” a lot of times they’ll say, “I’m a salesman.” “I’m a minister.” “I’m a coach.” “I’m a teacher.” Many people find their identity in what they do. The problem with this kind of thinking is that people identify themselves with their negative habits and strongholds, too. I hear people say, “I’m an alcoholic; I just can’t beat it.” No, that’s not who you are, that’s what you do. But if you keep thinking that way and talking that way, it will become so ingrained on the inside that you’ll convince yourself that it’s true, and it will keep you from rising higher.

One time somebody told me, “Joel, I’m a drug dealer.” He was embarrassed by it. He didn’t want to live that way. I told him what I’m telling you, “That’s not who you are. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then who you are is a child of the Most High God. It’s time to start acting like it because you have a destiny to fulfill.”

As a believer, you are the righteousness of God in Christ! You are the head and not the tail! You are an overcomer! Today, embrace who you are in Christ and don’t ever let your performance change your identity.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for who You are and for who You’ve made me. I declare today that I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Help me to keep my identity in You and glorify You in all that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)has clarified that ZAMTEL workers will be paid their January salaries as the company’s salaries account has not been frozen DEC Acting Public Relations Officer, Samuel Silomba says the Commission has not frozen the salaries account number: 0030210000008659 which is domicile at Zanaco Bank.

He says this account has sufficient funds to cater for workers’ salaries.

Mr. Silomba says it is therefore a lie to insinuate that workers at Zamtel will not get paid their January salaries.

He says the Commission took into account the plight of the workers and therefore, Zamtel management should be able to pay the workers without hiding in the frozen accounts.

And Mr. Silomba says it is safer for Zamtel to be depositing money into the accounts, as deposits can be made into frozen accounts but not withdrawals.

He reaffirms that the commission has indeed frozen some of the accounts of Zamtel to facilitate investigations into the alleged fraudulent sale of the telecommunication company.

MUVITV

MMD presidential aspirant Nevers Mumba has challenged his opponents to explain their source of wealth before they seek to be elected to lead the opposition party.

Dr Mumba said yesterday in Ndola when he met his supporters at the party’s district office that to change the bad perception of the party, leaders of high morals and integrity should be elected.

“ We need to change the corruption perception by electing people with integrity. All those who aspire for any position in the party we should ask them about their wealth and not asking them after we elect them,” he said.

He said those seeking the party presidency should not be selfish but check themselves if they had the drive and time for party issues.

The MMD needed a leader who would take it back to where it was, and cadres should not divide the aspiring candidates because the issue was not about individuals but leadership.

He said leaders whether in PF, UPND or MMD should not tell lies because people were no longer tolerant with leaders who did not deliver on their promises.

He said he would visit all the 10 provinces and that he started with the Copperbelt because it was his home town and the engine for Zambian politics.

Dr Mumba said he wanted to introduce integrity and morality to Zambian politics and that was the reason his party the National Citizen’s Coalition merged with the MMD during late President Mwanawasa’s reign.

He said the MMD was voted out of power because people wanted it to change and not that they hated the party.

He said the MMD needed a leader who was not a Member of Parliament (MP) so that he or she could have time to mobilise the party.

Dr Mumba said he would give 100 percent commitment to the MMD if he was elected president adding that the survival of the party depended on unity.

He said the PF Government should start fighting corruption dating back to 1991 and not just in the last three years. He accused President Sata of turning State House into a police station.

Meanwhile, police yesterday detained Dr Mumba’s supporters who became unruly after they were denied entry to Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport where they had gone to welcome their leader.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Mary Tembo, said yesterday that 21 cadres were detained and charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace and would only be released after paying admission of guilt fee.

She said that two mini-buses that were ferrying the cadres had also been impounded and would only be released after K270, 000 was paid for each as traffic offence fee.

[Times of Zambia]

As Zambia competes in the AFCON 2012  with our first match being played today. We will be taking a look at our players.

First up is striker  Christopher Katongo . Zambian international footballer who plays professionally for Chinese club Henan Construction F.C., as a striker.

Club career

Born in Mufulira, Katongo played with Butondo West Tigers and Kalulushi Modern Stars before moving to Green Buffaloes in 2001.In 2004, Katongo moved to South African side Jomo Cosmos, before moving to Danish side Brøndby in January 2007.In August 2008, Katongo moved again, this time to German club Arminia Bielefeld^. In July 2010, he moved to Greece to play for Skoda Xanthi.In July 2011, Katongo signed a two-and-half-year contract with Chinese Super League side Henan.

 International career

Katongo made his international debut in 2003,and after scoring a hat-trick against South Africa in September 2007, Katongo was promoted in the Zambian Army from corporal to sergeant.

Katongo has appeared in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

A recent interview

INFORMATION

BY KAPA187

Ruling Patriotic Front-PF bid to brighten its prospects in Parliament has suffered a minor setback following the loss of Chasefu election petition.

PF Parliamentary Candidate in last year’s polls, Boniface Paul Botha failed to convince Lusaka High Court, Judge Nigel Muntuna that the election was marred with electoral malpractice.

Ironically, Mr Botha has lost the petition with cost. Judge Mutuna ruled that all allegations leveled against Mr. Banda have not been proved by the evidence before the court.

The Labor movement has described as premature calls by the opposition UPND to impeach President Michael Sata. Zambia Congress of Trade Unions(ZCTU) said that there is no basis to call of the impeachment of the head of state.

Union General Secretary Roy Mwaba said that calls were untimely as the people calling for that have failed to outline the basis on which to remove the president from office. He said that no Zambian president has ever been impeached since independence.

Mr. Mwaba called on the opposition to be practical in their criticism and not only create arguments that have no basis. He was responding to a question from MUVI TV during a media briefing in Lusaka today.

Yesterday, the UPND announced plans to present a private members bill in the next sitting of parliament to impeach President Sata for alleged abuse of office.

UPND Presidential Advisor, Douglas Siakalima said that President Sata should be impeached and his immunity stripped when parliament resumes sitting.

He has accused the president of abusing his office in the past four months he has presided over national affairs.

Mr Siakalima, who is immediate past Siavonga parliamentarian, said that the president abused his office when he urged the Director of Public Prosecution to investigate former ruling party officials who are alleged to have abused their offices.

But president Sata’s Special Assistant for Press and Public relations, George Chellah wished the UPND all the best in the endeavour.

Mr Chellah told MUVI TV News in a telephone interview that Zambia is a democratic country and moves for a president’s impeachment are allowed.

MUVITV

Forum for Leadership Search Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo has warned that plans to lift former President Rupiah Banda’s immunity will have serious retributions on future Presidents too ghastly to contemplate.

Mr Lifwekelo tells QFM in a statement that it is becoming clear that in Zambia when one becomes a president, they should pray and fast that they do not become former Presidents.

He proposes the immediate removal of the presidential immunity from the republican constitution if people do not appreciate its relevancy.

He says this will subject anyone who breaks the law to be prosecuted as and when need arises instead of waiting to be striped of their immunity when their term expires.

Mr Lifwekelo adds that any move to remove former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity based on political machinations rather than irrefutable evidence will naturally be met with resistance and likely to undermine the fight against corruption.

He says past experience has shown that the passion to remove immunity of former presidents has been driven by vengeance rather than genuine political will.

QFM