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Zambian Government and Cooperating Partners High policy dialogue closes

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FINANCE minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
FINANCE minister Situmbeko Musokotwane

The high policy dialogue between government and Cooperating Partners (CPs) has come to an end in Lusaka with donor community reaffirming commitment to work closely with the Zambian government in implementing developmental projects in the country.

The meeting, which was chaired by Finance and National Panning Minster, Situmbeko Musokotwane, was attended by the Ministers of Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Justice and Local Government and Housing.

The topics discussed during the meeting were on decentralization, microeconomics, governance, and developmental sectors such as agriculture and energy among others.

Speaking at the close of the meeting, Cooperating Partners Chairperson, Kapil Kapoor, said the donor community stands ready to assist government in all sectors of national development.

Dr Kapoor said the CPs are encouraged with the strides that the government has made towards diversifying the economy through introducing the Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP) and also having a fiscal decentralization strategy in place by the end of 2009.

He said that on micro economic issues, the dialogue has noted the impact of the global economic crisis on Zambia through the collapse of demand for copper, adding that there is need for having a rapid economic diversification.

He further noted that Cooperating Partners recognize the role that good governance issues, such as the fight against corruption, adequate funding to the office of the Auditor General and continued voter registration play in the developmental process.

And Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, thanked the continued support in implementing developmental projects in the country.

Dr Musokotwane said today’s dialogue with the donor community will go a long way in creating donor and public confidence in the manner Zambia utilizes the funds.

On the decentralization policy he disclosed that government will implement the fiscal decentralization policy directly from the Ministry of Finance to councils under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

He also clarified that government had no intentions to take over the management and running of the mines that are under care and maintenance.

Dr Musokotwane further briefed the CPs on the status of the power rehabilitation project and government’s commitment to increase rural access to electricity.

He further assured the partners that government will ensure that all the suggestions made by at the dialogue will be put in consideration for effective implementation of donor funded projects.

ZANIS/ENDS/MM/EB

Munkombwe assures Siliya of moral support

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Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (L)
Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (L)

Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has assured Communications and Transport Minister, Dora Siliya, of continued moral support from sympathizers that believe in her genuine leadership.

Mr Munkombwe said he had faith in the judicial system and was confident justice would prevail in the case involving Ms Siliya since Zambia did not operate under a system of jungle laws.

He said this when Ms Siliya paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Livingstone today.

Mr Munkombwe said unnecessary suspicions by detractors were aimed at disrupting government’s agenda of attaining sustainable economic development.

He said Ms Siliya had fallen into unforeseen pitfalls while in the process of trying to perfect the transport sector which was previously dormant and was in urgent need of regenerating interest from investors.

And Mr Munkombwe assured Ms Siliya that most of the bridges in the province were in good condition but bemoaned the lack of progress on some roads like the Choma-Namwala road.

The Provincial Minister also alleged that the introduction of democracy in Zambia by former President, Fredrick Chiluba, was to blame for the culture of insults that people had currently adopted.

He said it was sad for people to freely insult their Republican President, but commended the late president Levy Mwanawasa for trying to correct the situation.

Meanwhile, Ms Siliya said trade was the engine of development and it needed good infrastructure if the country was to use it as a tool for improving the economy.

She said too much time had been spent on meetings and her ministry was in a hurry to implement developmental programs because that was what people were interested in.

Ms Siliya called on the private sector to embrace and supplement government efforts in implementing programs in the communications and transport sector since government alone did not have adequate resources to develop the sector.

Ms Siliya is in Livingstone to host her counterparts from Malawi and Mozambique for the Inter State Zambezi Shire Consultative Meeting to explore the possibility of navigating the Zambezi and Shire Rivers in a bid to open up water transport up to the Indian Ocean .

ZANIS/ENDS/AMM/EB

Zambia- China hold talks to revive Mulungushi-China Textile Factory

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Zambia and China have engaged in talks to revive the defunct Mulungushi-China textiles in Kabwe.

Defence Minister George Mpombo revealed that a team of experts have been in the country carrying out technical assessment on the viability of the company.

Mr. Mpombo said the team of experts from China will be in the country for one month to capture and compile a comprehensive technical report which will be presented to both governments.

Mr. Mpombo disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Ezulwini, Swaziland.

He said the outcome of assessment which is expected before May would provide the way forward in terms of recapitalisation, investment and also strengthening the joint venture.

The Defence Minister said the two countries are committed to support and ensure that the company is competitive.

“The team of experts have so far captured a comprehensive factor of what we need to ensure the company is back into serious business and further strengthened. For us as government this is a significant development,” said Mr. Mpombo.

With the restoration of Mulungushi-China textiles about 2,500 jobs will be created and the out growers activities revamped.

“When the company closed down two years ago many jobs were lost and even the peasant farmers who were involved in growing cotton for the company lost their business. Now, once the joint venture is revived, about 2,500 jobs will be created thereby turning the economy of Kabwe around,” said Mr. Mpombo.

The Defence Minister pointed out that Zambia and China would like to ensure the company is utilised to its full capacity.

“For the last two years there has been serious hiccups in operations and a yawning capacity of that company. That company has the capacity to export and do miracles for the country,” said Mr. Mpombo.

Mulungushi-China closed down two years ago due to lack of capital injection paralysing economic activities in Kabwe.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mpombo commended the defence forces in the country for their professional conduct which he said has earned the country increased international recognition.

He said as a result of the high-quality conduct of the men and women in uniform, the United Nations has requested for an expanded deployment of Zambian peace keepers.

He has since advised the defence forces in the country to maintain the excellent conduct and to further be loyal to the government of the day.

“The defence and security wings should not divert from their core responsibility of maintaining peace and security in the country so that Zambians can do their businesses peacefully,” said Mr. Mpombo.

ZANIS/CBM/ENDS/MM

Govt. leaders commended over fight against HIV/AIDS

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Government leaders have been commended for their efforts in fighting and mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS in Kazungula district.

Songwe Basic School Deputy Head Teacher, Conrad Miyanda said government leaders and their counterparts in the private sector had performed extremely well in fighting HIV/AIDS by availing adequate information on how best the country could prevent contracting the deadly pandemic.

Mr. Miyanda said this in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone today.

Mr. Miyanda has however, called on government to help communities in rural areas to establish committees that would ensure continuity in supplementing government efforts in maintaining awareness about HIV and positive living.

He also urged government to continue supporting the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in the area of mobile video shows aimed at educating the masses on issues of national importance.

He said the community in Songwe had greatly benefited from the video shows and people of all ages were able to easily access information that helped them make informed decisions on matters that were relevant for their wellbeing.

Mr. Miyanda said since the introduction of the video shows in his area, people had undergone reformation in the form of positive behavioral change.

ZANIS/AMM/KSH/ENDS

Updated: Weekend Scorecard

8

The Zambia national team return home this evening to find some good news awaiting them with the imminent announcement of a big 2-year-package from a local concern to sponsor the squad.

According to sources familiar with the development, Zambian Breweries will on Friday, April 3 sign a 24-month deal with the Football Association of Zambia(Faz) worth US$600,000.00 to be spread over the same period to bankroll Herve Renard’s team.

The development will also mean Zambian Breweries will end their 48-year-old relationship with Faz over sponsorship of the Mosi Cup.

Faz will now be seeking a new sponsor for Zambia’s oldest and biggest knockout cup competition.

The Mosi Cup did not take place last season after Zambian Breweries failed to commit to sponsoring ther 2008 edition of the tournament that began in 1961.

LUSAKA DYNAMOS OVERAWED

Lusaka Dynamos say their young side were a little overawed against Zanaco who crushed them 5-0 home in a Week 3 league game on Saturday at Queensmead Stadium in Lusaka.

Dynamos are currently on a rebuilding process after loaning out the core of its key players to help inject some cash into the Queensmead club.

“We got killed today (Saturday) like I feared before the game that they (Zanaco) have adjusted by playing two games while we have been just training. Our boys froze,” club secretary Madalisto Kamanga said.

However, reinforcements are said to be on the way with Dynamos expected to get some experienced hands in the form of striker Nasha Kaya and midfielder Mwelwa Sakala from Zanaco.

Dynamos hope for a better outing this Saturday when they travel to Mazabuka to face winless and promoted Nakambala Leopards in a Week 4 game who are coached by their ex-trainer Weston Mumba.

The Queensmead club have missed the opening two matches this season due to their part in the Nchanga Rangers demotion saga.

 

 

 

According to sources familiar with the development, Zambian Breweries will on Friday, April 3 sign a 24-month deal with the Football Association of Zambia(Faz) worth US$600,000.00 to be spread over the same period to bankroll Herve Renard’s team.

The development will also mean Zambian Breweries will end their 48-year-old relationship with Faz over sponsorship of the Mosi Cup.

Faz will now be seeking a new sponsor for Zambia’s oldest and biggest knockout cup competition.

The Mosi Cup did not take place last season after Zambian Breweries failed to commit to sponsoring ther 2008 edition of the tournament that began in 1961.

LUSAKA DYNAMOS OVERAWED

Lusaka Dynamos say their young side were a little overawed against Zanaco who crushed them 5-0 home in a Week 3 league game on Saturday at Queensmead Stadium in Lusaka.

Dynamos are currently on a rebuilding process after loaning out the core of its key players to help inject some cash into the Queensmead club.

“We got killed today (Saturday) like I feared before the game that they (Zanaco) have adjusted by playing two games while we have been just training. Our boys froze,” club secretary Madalisto Kamanga said.

However, reinforcements are said to be on the way with Dynamos expected to get some experienced hands in the form of striker Nasha Kaya and midfielder Mwelwa Sakala from Zanaco.

Dynamos hope for a better outing this Saturday when they travel to Mazabuka to face winless and promoted Nakambala Leopards in a Week 4 game who are coached by their ex-trainer Weston Mumba.

The Queensmead club have missed the opening two matches this season due to their part in the Nchanga Rangers demotion saga.

2010 World/Africa Cup Group C Qualifiers

29/03/2009

Cairo

Egypt 1(Amr Zaki 27″)- Zambia 1(Francis Kasonde 56″)
28/03/2009

Kigali

Rwanda 0-Algeria 0

FAZ Premier Division

28/03/2008

Week 3

Green Buffaloes 0- Forest Rangers 1(Alex Mwiche 55″)

Zamtel 1(Sydney Mwewa 81″)-City of Lusaka 2(Ackson Phiri 32″, Kennedy Chola 75″)

Kabwe Warriors 0 -Zesco United 1(Siloni Jere 71″)

Konkola Blades 1(Visto Mulundu 70″)- Roan United 0

Power Dynamos 1(Luka Lungu 90″+3)- Chambishi 1(Edward Sinkala 35″)

Lusaka Dynamos 0- Zanaco 5(Patrick Kabamba 20″ 44″ 87″, Ignatius Lwipa 22″, Jack Chileshe 79″)

Young Arrows 2(Kruger Mwansa 2″, Remmy Tembo 57″)- Nakambala Leopards 1(Charles Kashitu 56″)

Postponed:

Choma Eagles-Red Arrows
TOP SCORERS

After Games Played 29/03/2009

Jack Chileshe (Zanaco): 4
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos) 3
Patrick Kabamba (Zanaco): 3
Clifford Chipalo (Zesco United): 3

Aubrey Zulu (Choma Eagles): 2
Elson  Mkandawire (Power Dynamos): 2
Edward Museba (Green Buffaloes): 2
Lameck Mwale (Power Dynamos): 2
Kelvin Muzungu (Roan United): 2
Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 2
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United): 2
Judge Mknadawire (Red Arrows): 2
Chiwanki Liyainga (Red Arrows): 2

Division 1

29/03/2009

Week 3

North

Chingola  Leopards 2  Mufulira Blackpool 0

Mining Rangers 2-Indeni 1

Kitwe United 0-Kalewa 0

Ndola United 0-Prison Leopards 1

Chindwin Leopards 2-Nkana 1

Mufulira Wanderers 1- Muchindu 2

Kalulushi Modern Stars  0-Luanshya United 0

Not played:
Nchanga Rangers -Afrisports
Lime Hotspurs -Zesco Luapula

South

Paramilitary 1- Young Green Eagles 0

National Assembly 2- Lusaka Tigers 1

Lusaka Celtic 1- Police Bullets 1

Kasco  0- Nkwazi 1

Profund Warriors 2-Mazabuka United 1

Zamcoal Diggers 1- Lusaka City Council 1

Green Eagles 2- Livingstone Pirates 0

Riflemen 5- Petauke United 0

Nampundwe 5- Luena Buffaloes 1

<p>

League Table Standings

FAZ Premier Division

[leaguestandings league_id=1 mode=extend logo=false]

FAZ Division 1 North

[leaguestandings league_id=2 mode=extend logo=false]

FAZ Division 1 South

[leaguestandings league_id=3 mode=extend logo=false]

Siliya ignored legal advice – Solicitor General

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Silaya
Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya

The Solicitor General says Communication Minister, Dora Siliya, disregarded his legal opinion on the evaluation of ZAMTEL assets.

Dominic Sichinga says the Memorundum of Understanding signed by Ms Siliya last December, did not take into account all the advice rendered.

He said this during cross examination by Lusaka lawyer, Bonaventure Mutale, at the tribunal probing Ms. Siliya.

He said Ms. Siliya only removed her name on the MOU, included Zambia Development Agency as a party, and made changes to the two million US dollars fee to RP capital Partners.

Mr. Sichinga agreed with attorney General, Mumba Malila’s letter of January 5, which said Ms. Siliya had disregarded the legal opinion from the attorney general’s chambers.

He said Mr. Malila requested him to offer advice on the MOU and he had exchanged letters with Ms. Siliya.

The Solicitor General also said he met the Communications Minister in her office to suggest amendments to the MOU.

The MOU between the Zambian government and RP Capital Partners is designed to evaluate assets of ZAMTEL before the company is partially commercialized.
/ZNBC.NEWS

Poor people in North Western province becoming poorer

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The Environment and Development in Zambia (EDZ), a non profit making organization has estimated that 80 per cent of the poor people in Northwestern province have become even poorer because they were heavily disadvantaged.

Kabompo EDZ assistant coordinator Jenipher Nyambe disclosed this to ZANIS during the Kabompo district beekeeping stakeholders meeting held at Sombo Guest House yesterday.

Ms. Nyambe said EDZ had estimated that 92 per cent of the 720 000 people in North-western province were, out of which 80 per cent were unable to meet basic nutritional needs.

Ms. Nyambe said most women in North-western province were highly disadvantaged and wallowing in extreme poverty, forcing them to heavy depend on men and extended relatives.

She said illiteracy levels were also very high in the district.
ZANIS/MK/CMM/KSH/ENDS.

Zambia has made positive economic strides – Kapwepwe

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Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister Chileshe Kapwepwe says Zambia has made positive strides in addressing the impact of the global economic crunch on the country’s economy.

Ms. Kapwepwe says some of the incentives that her ministry has lined up in this year’s budget to cushion the impact are bearing fruit in the various sectors of the economy.

The Deputy Minister cited the Agricultural,Mining and Tourism sectors as some of the areas where government has pumped in billions of kwacha to stimulate growth.

She added that government has gone a step further in its quest to caution the impact by removing duty on the importation of agricultural machinery and improving tourism infrastructure countrywide.

She said the three sectors have the potential to turn around the current status of the economy.

Ms Kapwepwe said this today in an interview with ZANIS in Ezulwini valley in Swaziland.

She added that the upswing of copper prices on the world market as well as the reduction of the country’s inflation rate from 14 to 13.1 percent are some of the indicators that the economy is on the right track.

Ms. Kapwepwe called on Zambians to support government in its quest to caution the impact of the economic meltdown on the country’s economy.

“There is a lot of uncertainty from a lot of people as to when the country will come out of the economic melt down. But there is s a good sign especially in the copper prices which have taken an upswing in the recent weeks. We shall soon see a good improvement,” she assured.

She explained that countries have different strategies of addressing the economic melt down because of the different levels of the impact saying Zambia is however moving towards recovery.

The country will from the 4th to the 5th of April hold an indaba at the Mulungushi international conference center to chat the way forward on the impact of the global economic meltdown on Zambia.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kapwepwe expects the SADC region to assist Zimbabwe in its economic recovery plan.

She however said economic problems in Zimbabwe have come as a challenge to the region especially that the whole world was going through the economic melt down.

“We want to see how SADC will help Zimbabwe come out of its economic problems. We hope SADC countries will listen to that country’s request,” she said.

She noted that Zambia can only take position after the SADC Extraordinary discussions.

ZANIS/CBM/ENDS/MM

Crocodile kills 36 year old man in Chavuma

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A 36 year old man of Chijilo village in Chavuma district in Northwestern Province was on Thursday last week killed by a crocodile while fishing in the night.

Chavuma District Council Chairman Geoffrey Kasonda confirmed the development to ZANIS in Solwezi and identified the deceased as Willis Chizungu of Sanjongo area.

Mr. Kasonda said the recovered remains of the deceased have since been buried by the shore of the Zambezi River.

He has since appealed to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to crop the reptiles, which he said have become vicious.

Mr. Kasonda has since appealed to Chavuma residents to be careful when they on the river.

He disclosed that three lives have since been lost through crocodile attacks since the beginning on the rain season this year.

ZAMIS/CK/CMM/KSH/ENDS.

Kansanshi expected to produce more copper than last year

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Kansanshi mine 1901
Kansanshi mine 1901

Kansanshi Mining PLC in Solwezi is
expected to produce up to 244,000 metric tones of copper as compared to last year’s targeted 208,000 tonnes despite the fall in the price of copper prices on the international market.

This was revealed during the meeting of Kansanshi Mining Stakeholders today.

According to the report, the 2008 copper production was 215,314 tones against the target of 181,411.

The report states that due to the sharp fall of copper prices on the international market, in the second half of 2008, First Quantum Mining (FQM) initiated a review of its business to protect the core activities and financial resources in order to improve its cost profile.

“The measure included; changing the number of shifts and redundancies which resulted in retrenching 70 workers from Kansanshi, 30 from acid plant and 81 from FQM of which 15 were voluntary workers,” says the report in part.

On the corporate social responsibility of the company, the report said Kansanshi Mining PLC, through its foundation, funded the construction of classrooms, rehabilitation of orphanages and procurement of mortuary panels.

Other social activities include; assistance to various cultural ceremonies and national commemorative days, support to sporting activities and sponsorship of a radio programme on Solwezi community radio station.

The report further stated that Kansanshi mining PLC has continued the Bio diesel project which has been rolled to the communities of Mushitala, Kabwela who are expected to plant 407,600 trees.

ZANIS/EC/CMM/KSH/ENDS.

Zambian manufactures wary over proposed electricity tarrif hikes

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zescoZambia Association of Manufactures (ZAM) President Dave Barbbar says the proposed hike of electricity tariffs will have a negative impact on the country’s economy.

Mr.Babbar told ZANIS in an interview, today, that Zesco limited should consider revising its proposed tariff hike considering that the world is facing an economic down turn.

He said if the company proceeds with the hiking of tariffs it will slow down developmental projects that the company might be undertaking.

Mr.Barbber said the increase of electricity tarrifs will further slow down production in major companies like the mining industry adding that they require electricity to operate.

He called on government to consider the impact this development will have on a growing economy like Zambian’s before consenting to the idea of hiking the tariffs.

Mr.Barbber further said that if the electricity tariffs are increased to over 60% it will mean that manufacturers will increase the prices of their products as well thereby making it difficult for the people of Zambia to access these products.

He further added that most Zambians are living in poverty and the increased tariffs will make it impossible for most families to pay for electricity bills.

Zambia electricity supply (ZESCO) the only electricity provider in Zambia has proposed to increase its tariffs to over 60% for both commercial and private use.

The idea has been welcomed by the Zambian government and it is likely to come in to effect by April this year.

ZANIS/PC/ENDS/MM

EIZ urges members to open private engineering companies

9

The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has challenged its members working in engineering firms to consider opening up their own businesses in order to contribute to national development.

EIZ Southern Regional chairperson, Cyprian Chitundu, said workers in engineering firms should establish personal companies that would carry out projects such as street lighting in the country.

Mr. Chitundu said engineers had an opportunity to generate a lot of income for themselves by using their vast knowledge in their field of engineering.

He was speaking during the official launch of the EIZ Chipata branch at a meeting held at Luangwa house in Chipata over the weekend.

“As engineers, we should not just work in our institutions but should think of opening up our own companies to contribute to national development,” Mr. Chitundu said.

He said engineers should promote Public Private Partnership (PPP) in order to help develop the country by coming up with various projects.

Mr. Chitundu noted that engineers could source for funds from Development Bank of Zambia through PPP and contribute to the vision 2030 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

EIZ Chipata branch interim committee member, Daniel Chamba, assured the chairperson that the newly formed committee would endeavor to work in a transparent manner.

Mr. Chamba said the committee would like to see funds from the EIZ southern region headquarters trickle down to branches in order to benefit members.

ZANIS/SM/KSH/ENDS.

Infuriated Chinese manager retaliates by firing 25 workers in Mpulungu

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25 workers involved in construction work at Mpulungu boarding school situated in Mankonga area were on Friday dismissed by their Chinese project manager grounding the construction to a halt.

Chibulula Ward Councilor Brenda Chola confirmed that construction work at the school was stopped on Friday after the Chinese contractor on site dismissed 25 casual workers after the workers are said to have reported him to the District Commissioner.

Chola said the casual workers were dismissed after the Chinese foreman named as Liu Yuefa, who is the project manager on site under Huajiang Investment Ltd, accused the workers of fabricating lies against him to senior government officials in the district.

Chola said Liu Yuefa was infuriated after he received a letter from the District Commissioner’s office requesting him to respect and operate within the labor laws of the country.

She said the letter angered Mr. Yuefa who retaliated by sending the workers back home when they reported for work on Friday and Saturday morning, telling them to go and get jobs from the District Commissioner’s office.

Ms. Chola further said the wrangle between Mr. Liu Yuefa and the workers started a long time ago, resulting in the later being shown the exit door.

She appealed to the Director of Huajiang Investment Ltd to replace Liu Yuefa with a new foreman to supervise the construction work at the boarding school.

Chola said she had of late been receiving many complaints from the workers at the site which is situated in her Ward.

She said the workers have been complaining about lack of protective clothing at work, mistreatment, subjection to abnormal working hours and low pay.

She said her efforts to reason with Mr. Liu Yuefa to compromise with the workers had not yielded any positive results.

Ms. Chola said her main interest as area Councilor for the Ward where the school is being built is to see to it that the construction work is completed in time and that the workers’ demands are met.

Mr. Liu Yuefa could not be reached for a comment by press time.

ENDS/EK/PK/ZANIS

The Weekend in Pictures

125

1.

Ntheye's World
Ntheye's World

2.

Some people in Lusaka engage in illegal quarrying to earn a living
Some people in Lusaka engage in illegal quarrying to earn a living

3.

Tug of war... two toddlers fight for the ball during weekend games in Lusaka
Tug of war... two toddlers fight for the ball during weekend games in Lusaka

4.

An upcoming martial artist displaying his talent
An upcoming martial artist displaying his talent

5.

Young martial artists showcasing their abilities at the national sports development centre in Lusaka
Young martial artists showcasing their abilities at the national sports development centre in Lusaka

6.

Volley players tussles out at Napsa grounds in Lusaka
Volley players tussles out at Napsa grounds in Lusaka

7.

A netball player from Kalingalinga edusport club fasten her laces before the game
A netball player from Kalingalinga edusport club fasten her laces before the game

8.

A netball player from Nkwazi netball club club fasten her laces before the game
A netball player from Nkwazi netball club club fasten her laces before the game

9.

A traditional dancer eating fire during a spiritual session attended by traditional healers from Zambia and South Africa in Lusaka
A traditional dancer eating fire during a spiritual session attended by traditional healers from Zambia and South Africa in Lusaka

10.

A traditional dancer eating fire during a spiritual session attended by traditional healers from Zambia and South Africa
A traditional dancer eating fire during a spiritual session attended by traditional healers from Zambia and South Africa

11.

Female traditional healers of Ngangaas perform a ritual during a spitirual session by Sangomas
Female traditional healers of Ngangaas perform a ritual during a spitirual session by Sangomas

12.

Female traditional healers of Ngangaas perform a ritual during a spitirual session by Sangomas and healers from Zambia
Female traditional healers of Ngangaas perform a ritual during a spitirual session by Sangomas and healers from Zambia

13.

Zambia's new Ambassador to Germany Ephraim Mateyo (l) talks to Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde after taking oath of office at State House
Zambia's new Ambassador to Germany Ephraim Mateyo (l) talks to Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde after taking oath of office at State House

14.

Rupiah Banda chats with new diplomats Nevers Mumba (l) and Cecil Holmes (c) at State House
Rupiah Banda chats with new diplomats Nevers Mumba (l) and Cecil Holmes (c) at State House

15.

President Rupiah Banda confers with Homes Affairs minister Kalombo Mwansa before he left for Swaziland for the SADc extra ordinary summit
President Rupiah Banda confers with Homes Affairs minister Kalombo Mwansa before he left for Swaziland for the SADc extra ordinary summit

16.

A serviceman salutes the presidential Challenger plane on take off at Lusaka international airport
A serviceman salutes the presidential Challenger plane on take off at Lusaka international airport

Zambia Laugh In Draw Drama On The Nile

110
Zambia grinded out to a dramatic 1-1 draw away against Egypt to leave Group C open in the early stages of the 2010 World/Africa Cup qualifiers even after match day one.

Missed sitters, a stunning disallowed goal and a mini fist-fight added to the plot in Cairo in a match that blew hot and cold for most parts.

However, Herve Renards men’s held their own against arch-nemesis led by live-wire midfielder Felix Katongo who fueled Zambia’s surge upfront and could have been ahead within the opening 10 minute had Jacob Mulenga not fluffed on a God-sent sitter.

Resolute Zambia’s defence was breached in the 28th minute when striker Amr Zaki slid in the ball with both feet on the blind side of defender Nyambe Mulenga.

Katongo continued to inspire but poor passing, a little bit of selfishness from him and a fuse-less attack were the hallmarks of Zambia’s first half performance.

Zambia’s spirited play against the African champions was rewarded in the 56 minute when defender Francis Kasonde scored a trademark header from a headed pass from Chris Katongo.

The subdued Chris Katongo could have got another one for Zambia a minute but his curling shot from a tight angle was parried for safety first by Essam El Hadary with the tip of his gloves for the ball to sail out for a corner.

Egypt will feel a little hard done by Malian referee  Koman Coulibaly who ruled out a stunning goal from Africa’s best player Mohamed Aboutrika after benefiting from a Ahmed “Mido” Hossam pass.

Late substitute Aboutrika unlucky streak continued a couple of minutes later when he’s second shot from point-blank-range was also wasted.

Then mayhem ensued with five minutes left to play following some confusion over who between Rainford Kalaba and Chris Katongo was leaving the pitch.

Egypt, notorious for delaying tactics at the death when all is well, didn’t see the funny side of being given a dose of their own medicine as Mido picked on and shaved tiny Kalaba before a free-a minute-long for-all ensued before commonsense reigned.

With the draw, Egypt were the biggest losers at home after failing to beat Zambia for a second successive time as the latter head to a June 6 date at Konkola against Rwanda.

Zambia and Egypt share top spot on 1 point each while Algeria and Rwanda too have 1 point but the top two who played today share top summit courtesy of a better goal difference.