By GRACE CHAILE –

MTN Zambia yesterday signed a partnership agreement with Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) worth K450, 000 towards the live broadcast of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
Chief marketing officer Clement Asante said during a handover of the cheque at the Mass Media Complex in Lusaka that MTN Zambia was delighted to lead the way in bringing the Brazil fever closer to football fans in Zambia.
The partnership will see the national broadcaster beaming live all the 64 matches starting June 12 to July 13.
“Football is Zambia’s number one passion and over the years we have demonstrated leadership in supporting the game to benefit customers and the nation at large. It is against this backdrop that we are happy to be partnering with ZNBC, for the live transmission of these games from Brazil,” he said.
Asante said it was unfortunate that Zambia will not been represented at the World Cup finals but that the mobile service provider will continue to support country’s football at various levels until the aspiration of going to the World Cup is attained.
“Our quest to see Zambian football rise to the highest level is strong and we are happy to announce that soon we will be unveiling a new initiative aimed at capturing soccer talent at grassroots level,” he said.
ZNBC director of news and current affairs, Kenneth Maduma commended MTN Zambia for coming on board to sponsor the live broadcast of the World Cup games.
Maduma said securing broadcast rights carries with it a colossal amount such that developing countries are finding it difficult.
“Securing broadcast rights alone is about one million kwacha and which is very expensive for developing countries hence why they are having talks with the African Union in a bid to have the amount reduced. We thank MTN for been our platinum sponsors to ensure six million Zambians view live all the 64 matches,” he said.
Maduma also appealed to the corporate world to come on board and help ZNBC bring live the World’s biggest competition into the homes of six million Zambians.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager Nkweto Tembwe said the association was excited with signing deal between ZNBC and MTN to broadcast live the matches.
Tembwe said FAZ is also a beneficiary as it aims at ensuring the passionate Zambian people do not miss out on watching the World Cup.