GERMANY has set aside 20,000 Euros (about K104 million) to camp the Zambia national soccer team in preparation for the decisive 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo.
And Germany ambassador to Zambia Irene Hinrichsen said a win for Zambia over Togo would contribute to President Mwanawasa’s recovery from a stroke he suffered three weeks ago in Egypt.
Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Gabriel Namulambe, disclosed at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that the Germany Government would accommodate the national team during the “tour of duty.”
The Chipolopolo will camp in Germany from August 15 to 24.
Namulambe said the Zambian Government would only provide air-tickets. Zambia face Togo in a must-win tie on September 6 at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Namulambe said Government has attached a lot of importance to the game against Togo.
“We have a huge task of qualifying to the Africa Cup and World Cup. We are remaining with one game against Togo, which we have to win at all cost.
We know that when Zambia losses everyone is affected and a lot of issues are brought up and there is a lot of finger-pointing.
“When Zambia wins, production increases and those who have worked in the mines can prove this but when Zambia losses production goes down,” he said.
All winners of the 12 groups and the best eight teams would make it to the next and final round.
Swaziland and Zambia lead Group 11 with four points while Togo have three.
The minister said the gesture by the Germany Government was encouraging and urged the national team players to take advantage of the camping to sharpen their skills.
He said the players should beat Togo as a way of paying gratitude to the good gesture from Germany.
“It will not do to the Zambian and Germany Governments that after investing so much money, the team records a poor result against Togo,” Namulambe said.
He said the gesture was a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Namulambe also urged business organisations to come on board and assist the national team prepare adequately for the match against Togo.
He also said the Germany Government would this year equip Zambian coaches with the latest techniques as the country prepares to host the 2011 All-Africa Games.
“Our major task is capacity building in our coaches. It takes a long to prepare adequately,” said Namulambe who was flanked by his deputy Richard Taima, permanent secretary Bob Samakai and director of sport Bernard Nakachinda.
Others in attendance were National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) acting general secretary Margaret Mukupa, NSCZ board member Elliot Mhende and Football Association of Zambia media officer Erick Mwanza.
And Hinrichsen said they have arranged two friendly games for the Chipolopolo.
Hinrichsen said Zambia would play Ruit Academy in Kirchheim adding that plans were in the pipeline to arrange for a friendly against a top Bundesliga side.
She said Zambia’s European-based professionals would be with the team during the ten-day camping in Germany.
Hinrichsen also said Germany coaches would conduct a one month coaching course in Lusaka some time this year to assist in the preparations of the 2011 games.
She said a long-term coach would be in the country next year.
“We are scouting for talent in Zambia to take to Germany,” Hinrichsen said.
[Zambia daily Mail]