Zambia president Hakainde Hichilema feted the COSAFA Championship-winning under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams of the nation to a state luncheon at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel on Friday afternoon.
The Zambian leader said he hosted the players and their respective coaches in recognition of their title-winning performances in Johannesburg, South Africa. In a statement, Hichilema said he felt compelled to host the teams in appreciation for raising Zambia’s flag high.
“We are proud of the young men and women for their success. Zambia is indeed back in the Champions League,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“Our message to all athletes is, seize every opportunity and enhance your talents with hard work and discipline, and you will achieve greater things in your sports career. Your government is here to support you and we will continue with our sports development program. Congratulations once more to all our sports winners in the year 2024. Let's get more medals in 2025.”
Zambia boys’ team beat Angola 2-1 to retain the championship for COSAFA Qualifiers of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Johannesburg. At the same tournament, the girls’ side thrashed Lesotho 15-0 to win the championship for their category.
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