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Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo and dozens of MMD members have officially defected to the opposition patriotic front.
Ms. Masebo who was flanked by indunas of chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo announcing her defection to the PF at a mammoth rally held in Chongwe yesterday.
The parliamentarian says he she is relieved by joining the opposition political party adding that the leadership of president Rupiah Banda has lost direction.
She has also charged that president Banda is cheating the Zambian people by claiming to have delivered development since assuming office in 2008.
And Ms. Masebo has castigated the MMD for allegedly carrying political propaganda against PF leader Michael Sata.
Among the people who attended the rally was Chief Chimnuka of Chinsali, former health minister Nkandu Luo, former Lusaka province permanent secretary Susan Sikaneta and various PF members of parliament.
And receiving the defectors, PF leader Michael Sata said Ms. Masebo has made the right decision to join the PF.
PRESIDENT Banda says the US$2.5 billion (about K12trillion) in national reserves is a sign that Zambia’s economy is growing.
Mr Banda said Government will remain committed to ensuring that Zambia becomes a middle-income country by 2014.
“This country’s macro economy is growing so fast.
Believe me, we are headed to be a developed country by 2030 and all this is anchored on the Vision 2030,” Mr Banda said.
The President said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati during a dinner for exhibitors at this year’s Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) at Savoy Hotel in Ndola on Friday.
Mr Banda said the private sector has continued to register growth because of the strong economy.
He said jobs are not best created by Government but by the private sector.
“When I was touring stands at the fair, Chilanga Cement announced to me that they are increasing their production by almost 50 percent and I ran out of words because something serious must be happening in this country,” Mr Banda said.
The President has since urged Zambians to ensure that this year’s general elections are held in a peaceful manner for the country to continue registering growth in the economy.
Mr Banda said because of economic growth, Zambia has been rated as one of the top 10 performers globally.
He said Government has embarked on infrastructure development because of the good economic performance.
“In my inauguration speech in 2008, I affirmed my commitment to infrastructure development and before the end of the year, we will be witnessing the opening of the first international standard stadium just here in Ndola,” Mr Banda said.
He said he was informed by Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe that another stadium is soon to be constructed in Lusaka.
“Maybe the reason why the Chipolopolo have not been qualifying for the World Cup is because of lack of a proper stadium but now they will have no excuse,” he said, jokingly.
Mr Banda said it is not fair for people to think that the development projects that Government has embarked on are campaign strategies when everyone is benefitting.
The President said Government does not want anyone to suffer and that is why it is empowering people with loans and houses.
“Just today, I almost shed tears at ZAFFICCO when a Mr Musonda told me that he will die a happy man because he will actually be a landlord and not a tenant,” he said.
Mr Banda urged Zambian exhibitors at the Trade Fair, especially small and medium entrepreneurs, to dream big.
Meanwhile, President Banda says Government is committed to alleviating poverty in the country.
Mr Banda said Government is ready to fight poverty through many programmes it is running countrywide.
“We need to have confidence in ourselves, do not listen to doom speakers saying we have failed to address poverty in the country when we are doing our level best to fight poverty,” Mr Banda said.
The President was speaking in Ndola yesterday during a luncheon hosted by Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) at Mukuba Hotel.
Mr Banda said he noticed that every Zambian has a desire to get out of poverty and Government will continue to put measures in place to eradicate poverty.
“Our desire is to see to it that every Zambian is out of poverty, we need to have good roads, modern airports and stadiums,” Mr Banda said.
And the President urged Zambians to use their votes ‘wisely’ during this year’s general elections.
Mr Banda said Zambians should also prove wrong people wishing violence in the country during the elections.
“Let’s prove them wrong by ensuring that we have peaceful elections, let Zambians decide who should be their leader,” Mr Banda said.
The President said elections should not divide the country and that the elections should be anchored on peace and unity.
And speaking earlier, PACRA board chairman William Nyirenda commended Government for introducing policies aimed at lowering the cost of doing business.
Mr Nyirenda said there is need for business people to be innovative and competitive.
He also said that PACRA has reduced the period in which it issues certificates. Mr Nyirenda said it now takes two days for a certificate to be issued.
He also said that PACRA will soon decentralise operations throughout the country.
Mr Nyirenda said the agency will work with councils to take the services closer to the people.
“Our goal is to have our services online so that things can be done easily and quickly,” Mr Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, President Banda has urged local business entities to be innovative and partner with foreign investors in joint ventures.
Mr Banda said Government will also remain open to go into joint ventures with foreign investors looking for business in the country.
“Our support to the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs does not end with policy, we have gone a further step and put in place a preferential procurement scheme for companies which also makes joint ventures attractive,” Mr Banda said.
The President was speaking in Ndola yesterday during the official opening of this year’s 47th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Mr Banda said the progress Zambia is making in all the sectors is as a result of hard work underpinned by the prudent economic and social policies implemented by Government.
The President said Zambia has made a lot of progress in economic and social welfare in the past years and that more work must be done in order to meet basic requirements.
He also said in order for Zambia to become an investment hub for the region, there is need not to neglect local investors.
“I would like to see the trade fair become an event where the Zambian entrepreneurs showcase their innovation in value addition,” Mr Banda said.
The President said government has since prioritised value addition with a focus on developing the micro, small and medium enterprises.
And Mr Banda said there is need for Zambian goods to become competitive in both quality and pricing.
He said Government is aware of the challenges faced by the private sector, which has constrained innovation and competitiveness.
The President said the current global economic environment demands for innovation and competitiveness, which can help to sustain economic growth of the country.
“My government is addressing some of the challenges by implementing policies and reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and creating an enabling environment for competitiveness,” Mr Banda said.
The President also said the enactment of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act was meant to create an environment where competitiveness is guaranteed while protecting the welfare and rights of the consumer.
And Mr Banda said Government will continue to improve key infrastructure in the country.
He said in the next five years Government will invest heavily in the education sector.
Mr Banda also commended both local and foreign exhibitors at this year’s fair.
And speaking earlier, ZITF board chairman Phesto Musonda said this year’s fair attracted more foreign and local exhibitors compared to last year.
Mr Musonda said there is need for business people to be innovative and competitive if their businesses are to be successful.
He also urged both local and foreign exhibitors to consider joint ventures in order for their business to grow.
“The fair must help to establish joint ventures that can help to expand the business,” Mr Musonda said.
He also called for modernising of the trade fair stands through Private Public Partnership.
And Zesco Limited won the best overall exhibitor at the fair with Kenya also winning the international exhibitors ward.
Other companies that won awards include Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company, Ndola Lime, Necor, Zambeef and Silvia Catering Services, which won two awards Zanaco won the Best Exhibitor Award in the banking sector.
Chief governmment Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ronnie Shikapwasha
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has refuted the Law Association of Zambia ( LAZ )’s claims that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC ) is biased in the manner the national broadcaster disseminates news and general information to the general public.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said LAZ president Musa Mwenya has merely been against President Rupiah Banda and his administration for some time now.
He advised peace loving Zambians to stop listening to Mr Mwenya’s false claims.
The Government spokesperson said this yesterday when he responded to LAZ President on ZNBC who insinuated that the broadcasting station has become unbalanced and skewed towards only covering opinions and activities of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy ( MMD ).
The Association stated that other political players are not given equal coverage adding that at times , ZNBC has also broadcasted libel and slander against MMD political foes.
Mr. Mwenye also alleged that ZNBC is in complete conflict with the law and contrary to the provision of the ZNBC act Chapter 154 of the laws of Zambia.
He has further accused ZNBC that it is currently operating without a board of directors, a thing he said compromises the entire operations of the institution.
The Evangelical fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) has called on all political stakeholders in the country to take an active role in ensuring that the forthcoming tripartite elections are free and fair.
EFZ Executive Director Rev. Pukuta Mwanza has also described the adherence levels of political parties to the electoral code of conduct as weak.
Rev. Mwanza says it is surprising that despite the electoral code of conduct streamlining how political stakeholders should conduct themselves in the run up to the polls, political players tend to ignore the provisions.
He noted that for the country to conduct free and transparent tripartite elections this year, stakeholders in the electoral system must show commitments in upholding provisions of the electoral code of conduct.
The religious leader pointed out that breach of the code of conduct is a recipe for the discontent that exists amongst political players when election results are announced.
He has since urged political players to make a difference by preaching peace and reconciliation as the general elections draw near.
[ QFM ]
MTN\FAZ Super Division leaders Power Dynamos Skipper Joseph Sitali says he is confident the Kitwe based outfit will maintain their league leadership status when second round matches resumes.
Power Dynamos went into the two-week mid-season break leading the Super Division on 25 points after they narrowly beat Kabwe Warriors 1-0 in a week 13 encounter played at the Rail Grounds in Kabwe.
Sitali said Power Dynamos players will continue working hard in training during the mid-season recess to stay fit ahead of the second round campaign.
“We will continue working hard in training; our coaches have told us to retain our good fitness in readiness for the return matches,” the midfielder said.
He however acknowledged the challenge other teams in the Super Division pose to Power’s quest to sustain their league leadership.
“It won’t be easy for us to maintain our top spot in the league because other teams like Red Arrows and Zesco United are also doing fine. But we will not look at other teams, we will just concentrate on what wee are doing as Power Dynamos,” Sitali said.
He stated that his team was excited to go into the two-week mid-season break leading the Super Division table adding that they have accomplished their target of being at the top almost halfway in this year’s league campaign.
Eastern Province has recorded a decrease in the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate from 14 per cent to about 10.3 percent.
According to the Zambian demographic health survey of 2007, the male HIV prevalence rate is at nine point five percent while that of the female prevalence is at eleven point nine percent.
Chadiza district administrative officer Gertrude Zulu revealed this during the commemoration of the National Voluntary Counselling and Testing Day that was commemorated at Chanida Basic School in Chadiza yesterday.
Ms Zulu however, expressed her sadness that the uptake of VCT services in Zambia was still unacceptable low.
She said despite government’s efforts to make VCT services widely available only one point five million people out of the population of thirteen million people have undergone Voluntary Counselling and Testing.
Ms Zulu said it was sad to note that despite the reduction in the prevalence rate Chadiza district still had a high rate of about eight point nine percent.
The District Administrative officer has since called on the District Aids Task Force and the District Health office to take a leading role in mobilising partners and the community to take up preventive actions and also to fight stigma and discrimination.
Meanwhile, chief Mlolo of the Chewa speaking people in Chadiza district has commended government for creating a platform that give opportunities to the community to increased access and awareness to information about the preventive measures of HIV/AIDS.
Chief Mlolo said National VCT day was vital as it plays a leading role in the HIV response and that it was also in line with the global effect to accelerate HIV/AIDS prevention.
The traditional ruler has thanked President Rupiah Banda for continuing with the policy that allowed people living with HIV/AIDS to continue accessing ARVs for free.
He said the policy was good because a number of people could have died as they could not have afforded to purchase the ARVs at K 40, 000.
And a Health expert in Kapiri Mponshi has advised residents in the area utilise the free Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in the area to know their HIV/AIDS status.
Ms. Lubasi Inonge, the area District VCT Coordinator, said government and its cooperating partners have made sure that free VCT services are easily accessible to the people in the area.
However, Ms Lubasi expressed her disappointment that the community was reluctant to utilise the services at their door step for them to know their status.
She said this during the commemoration of the World VCT Day yesterday under the theme: Get tested today, get tested together in district.
Ms. Lubasi said all the 24 Rural Health Centers (RHC), the new Kapiri District Hospital and several NGO were providing VCT services to the people in the district.
“ The VCT services are widely available in the district but we are concerned with low utilization of these sites by the people despite collaborative efforts between government and NGOs to bring the service as close to the people as possible,” she observed.
And District HIV/AIDS Task Force (DATF), Vice Chairperson, Francis Mwape has implored all stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the district to collaborate in order to reduce the prevalence rate of the pandemic.
Mr. Mwape said the HIV/AIDS prevalence which stood at 14.8 percent in the district was still too high and needed to be reduced.
He said partners should work together and devise new and more effective ways of fighting the disease in the area.
The commemoration in Kapiri Mposhi was held at Kawama Market where the Ministry of Health (MoH) and several civil organisations offered VCT services and disseminated information on treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
During the same function Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC), disseminated and handed over a report on research findings on the participatory budget, monitoring and resource tracking on Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) in Zambia.
The research study was conducted by a consortium of stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS sector in three selected districts namely Kapiri Mposhi, Mongu and Lusaka.
The research was aimed at producing evidence on budget allocations and expenditure regarding ART in order to influence decisions by government and its cooperating partners to increase financing towards HIV treatment in Zambia.
And presenting the research findings, Central Province TALC Coordinator, Winter Musonda said there was need to increase the number and spreading out of ART sites in the country to make the service more accessible to HIV/AIDS clients.
Mr. Musonda noted that many HIV/AIDS clients were failing to access treatment because of the long distances they have to cover to the nearest ART site adding that this was further resulting in non adherence and lack of fore up for their treatment.
“most health facilities, especially those in rural areas providing ART services are failing to cope with the demand in terms of infrastructure and patients wait long hours or even days to see a clinician at designated ART centers,” Mr. Musonda said.
FLASHBACK: President Rupiah Banda with his supporters at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open MMD provincial Conference
President Banda has reduced by 50 percent the prices for the sale of RAMCOZ houses. Similary, the Presidential decree has affected all Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) houses.
” I wish to inform the people of Luanshya that with immeadiate effect, the price of RAMCOZ shall be sold to sitting tenants at 50 percent of the 2006 price,” he said.
The President said this follows sitting tenants’ petition for him to consider revising the asking price of the said housing units. The move will affect 2000 families.
Mr. Banda stated that prices for the sale of RAMCOZ houses should be sold to sitting tenants at 50 percent of the 2006 evaluation.
He said he had accepted the recommendation from the Vice President George Kunda, as Justice minister and supervisor of the Administrator General, that the houses of be reduced by 50 percent.
He disclosed this during a public rally at Dola Hill in Ndola today.
President Banda announced that the Ministry of Lands has already started processing offer letters to all sitting tenants.
He urged the Ministry of Lands to promptly issue all offers and certificates of title.
President stated that he was not prepared to have delays in the issuance of certificates of title as has been the case with the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) houses.
Meanwhile, the President has handed over five letters of offer to sitting tenants of ZAFFICO to purchase their houses at prices ranging from K4 million to K1.5 million.
The beneficiaries include a Mr Bornface Kasote who will pay K3.5 million, Maxwell Kalyamato K4 million and Moleon Muthali who will pay a paltry K1.9 million.
Others are Wisdom Musonda K1,9 Million and Davies Ngulube will pay K 1.5 million for his house.
He said having shelter gives dignity to the family and hence his government was committed to empowering the citizenry with accommodation for them to be economically empowered.
And President Banda has promised to find a person that provide funds to purchase a house for a widow of an ex ZAFFICO employee.
President Banda stated that he was touched when he saw the woman and her children when he inspected the housing units and felt duty bound to find someone who will buy her the house.
About 2, 000 Zambians will benefit from the sale of ZAFFICO and RAMCOZ houses.
Zambia will face Zimbabwe in an international friendly next month.
Both Faz and Zifa confirmed the friendly match that will be played in Harare on August 10 after agreeing to the game on June 30.
“They (Zambia) are coming to Harare on August 10. We have confirmed that and they will just put something in writing for us,”Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze told Zimbabwean newspaper Newsday on Thursday.
“We had targeted Malawi, but they seemed to dither, but we had to plan ahead and now we have Zambia.”
Zimbabwe and Zambia will be using the game as warm-up for their 2012 World Cup group qualifying matches against Liberia and Comoros at home and away respectively on September 4.
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says it might have to institute public interest proceedings over the breach of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Act.
This is in the advent of the association citing the national broadcaster, ZNBC for gross abuse of the respective piece of legislation.
LAZ President, Musa Mwenye says ZNBC has on several occasions in its news, broadcast libel and slander with no regard for rights of persons.
Mr Mwenye has further explained that LAZ is exploring means of redress of the situation in the interest of the public.
He has added that ZNBC’s news broadcast is unbalanced and mostly inclined to the MMD, a situation which has been compounded by the absence of a board of directors at the media institution.
[ MUVI ]
MMD Petauke Central Member of Parliament Dora Siliya says government will soon construct the first ever Teachers training college in Petauke district.
Ms. Siliya, who is also Education Minister, noted that this is part of the MMD government’s committment to developing the education sector in the country.
Ms. Siliya said this when she paid a courtesy call on Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Nsenga people in Petauke today.
She assured the traditional leader of her Ministry’s commitment to developing and constructing more schools in Petauke district so that more children have access to quality education.
And Senior Chief Kalindawalo commended government for its development programmes in the district.
The Senior Chief paid gratitude to government for improving the already existing schools in the district.
The Ministry of Education has since completed the construction of a one by three classroom block at a total cost of K180 million at Mtondo Basic School.
The ministry will also begin construction of another block at the same school.
Earlier Ms. Siliya urged farmers in Petauke District to continue working hard i to produce more food to promote national food security.
Speaking when she officiated at the Petauke District Agriculture and Commercial Show today, Ms. Siliya said farmers should not be complacent but keep working hard so that Petauke remains one of the major producers of maize in the country.
She said Agriculture has the potential to improve the economic status of farmers hence the need to take it seriously.
And District Agriculture Committee Chairman Roy Tembo commended government for implementing the farmer input support programme which is bearing fruit as evidenced by the successive bumper harvests the country has continued to record.
Mr. Tembo also commended government for the maize floor price of K65,000 per 50 kilogram bag which he said would help small scale farmers receive full value for their produce.
He has since called on the Food Reserve Agency to put up more storage facilities in rural areas to avoid grain wastage.
File:Peasant farmers selling their part of their maize harvest
Chipata District Commissioner, Moses Nyirenda has called on farmers in the district to desist from selling their produce to unscrupulous buyers.
Mr. Nyirenda stated the farmers should not be desperate for money as Food Reserve Agency (FRA) would purchase all their maize this marketing season.
The District Commissioner said this during a meeting with farmers at Tamanda in chief Chanje’s area in Chipata district, yesterday.
He observed that it was unfortunate that some farmers had already started selling their produce to vendors at a lower price than the government recommended price of K65,000 X 50 kilograms bag of white maize.
“I have seen maize scales put up by vendors along the road an indication that farmers are selling their maize at a low prices but for the sake of appreciating your labour efforts and all the resources put in to produce the crop you should wait until FRA opens satellite depots,” he said.
Mr Nyirenda stated that all the 22 satellite depots in the district were already open but waiting for instructions to start purchasing the produce.
The DC has since urged farmers in the district to ensure that their maize was properly sieved to quicken the buying process.
Mr Nyirenda has further stated that the agriculture farming inputs for 2011/12 farming season is already in the district.
He assured farmers that they will access the commodities through the registered cooperatives and clubs adding that this can only be enhanced when they realize a profit out of 2010/11 produce by selling to FRA.
Mr Nyirenda has however warned cooperative leaders against selling the commodities and by not following government regulations when giving out the packs.
ZANIS
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Ndiyiyo Mutiti talks to regional chiefs of defence forces in Mansa
Home affairs Permanent Secretary Ndiyoyi Mutiti says government has no intentions of integrating refugees in the Zambian society.
Ms.Mutiti said integrating refugees in society can be done once a policy decision is made by government.
She said ministry has no immediate plans for refugee integration as earlier suggested by stakeholders during the world refugee day celebrations in Lusaka last June.
The permanent secretary told ZANIS in Lusaka today that it is not automatic that when you become a refugee you have to stay in that country.
She said that currently government is working closely with UNHCR on the process on repatriation alone.
Ms. Mutiti has charged that government wants to reduce the number of refugees as soon as possible.
She has since appealed to refugees to consider returning to their home country during this repatriation and cessation period.
The cessation period for refugees from Angola ends on the 31 of December and the cessation period for all refuges in Zambia ends on the 31 of December 2011.
She said that all refugees should be in camps unless those who have applied for work permit or to conduct businesses.
“No refugees are allowed to make business outside the refugee camps without a permit from relevant officials.
She added that professional refugees are free to apply for work permits in their different fields.
When asked about refugees married to Zambians, Ms. Mutiti said once a policy decision is made refugees married to Zambian can opt to or not to go with them to their country of origin.
She charged that there is no law allowing refugees who are married to Zambians to stay in the country on such a condition.
Government has entered into an agreement with a Turkish firm Guris Holding to upgrade the Lusaka International Airport. Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed that Government is in discussions with a Turkish company, Guris Holding to re-design the Lusaka International Airport.
Dr. Musokotwane said the re-modeling of the airport will result in the facility which was constructed in the 1967 modernised.
He said the re-modeling will be done in three areas including the face-lifting of the terminal building, the VIP section and the improvement of the marketing side.
He added that Government will not use any money on the project but that this will be financed by the private sector.
Dr. Musokotwane who could however not disclose the total cost of the project said that will be determined after negotiations are concluded
in four weeks time.
And Government has approved a plan to re-develop Longacres Lodge in Lusaka into a five star hotel.
Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane said the development of the Longacres Lodge will start in the next six weeks and will be financed by Thukuka Zambia Limited, a South African company with its Zambian partners at a cost of US$35 million.
ZANIS reports that Mr Musokotwane said the project will be done under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept and will be run by a
special purpose entity where the developer will be allowed to man the asset for a concession period of 20 years.
Dr. Musokotwane further stated that the developer will be paying Government US$32 million every year while Government will also maintain 15 percent shareholding in the asset until the concession period when it will completely take over.
He also disclosed that the developer will also pay all the employees at the lodge their benefits while those who wish to continue will be re-engaged by the same developer.
Dr. Musokotwane said this at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
The Minister and other officials from the Ministry were later in the day expected to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the re-development of the Longacres Lodge.
He also noted that the re-development of the lodge into a five star hotel will create an employment opportunity to hundreds of Zambians who will be employees in various capacities during the construction period.
Dr. Musoktwane said Belvedere Lodge is also another hostel that will be considered for redevelopment.
The five star hotel will also house a shopping complex, offices and a spacious parking space.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has stated that the One Stop Shop Initiative forged by the organisation in Lusaka would attract a good number of investors in the country.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, ZDA Public Relations Manager, Margaret Chimanse said the joint Initiative between ZDA and the Ministry of Commerce and Trade was aimed at curtailing the cost of investors conducting business in Zambia.
Ms Chimanse disclosed that following the setting up of this initiative, investors would be provided with incentives such as centralised organisations that would attend to their needs comprehensively, without them having to move from one province to another.
She noted that the initiative was viable as the two partners have a vision to broaden the horizons of the economy by investing in several
sectors.
She added that investors would play an integral role in the development of Zambia.
She noted that ZDA and the Ministry of Commerce had plans to spread these shops to other parts of the country, adding that arrangements to
extend the initiative were already underway.
Ms Chimanse disclosed that ZDA had managed to set up a One Stop Shop within Lusaka recently and that it was situated at Kwacha house.
“The One Stop Shop in Lusaka is the first of its kind and we are yet to extend this initiative to all the nine provinces of Zambia” she
stated.
Zambia national soccer team players in training at Independence stadium in Lusaka
The Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Association (ZAVOSOFA) Patron Peter Makembo has advised the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to organize more international friendly matches for the Zambia National Soccer Team.
ZANIS Sports reports Makembo saying that friendlies are very important for the Chipolopolo boys for them to adequately prepare for major tournaments such as the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Makembo said ZAVOSOFA wants to see was good performance by the players win matches adding that friendlies will help sharpen the entire team for any international matches.
He added that if the Chipolopolos win the friendlies it will also assist the team to improve on the Coca cola international rankings . He said it was for this reason that his organization would continue to advocate for more international friendlies.
Meanwhile, Makembo has commended the Chipolopolo boys for moving 17 places up on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings.
He added that this shows that the team was doing well in terms of performance adding that this was how it is supposed to be all the time.
Zambia has moved 17 places according to the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings. The Chipolopolo now occupy 72nd position in the world, an improvement from last month’s 89th.
Dario Bonetti’s side is ranked 16th in Africa. The improvement comes on back of Zambia’s 3-0 home win over Mozambique in the 2012 Gabon Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup Group C qualifier at Nchanga Stadium on June 4 which saw Chipolopolo top the group.
Zambia has been stuck in the wrong end of the top 100 in the recent past, failing to go beyond the 69th position.
Group C second placed Libya has slipped from 58th to 63th position, Mozambique is now ranked 106th while tail enders Comoros Islands lie in a miserable 164th place.
Ivory Coast is the only African team in the top 20 occupying 14th position with Ghana now ranked 33rd in the world.
