By BRIAN HATYOKA-
ZAMBIAN lawmakers were at the weekend given a 2-0 bashing by their Zimbabwean counterparts in a friendly match played at the Zesco Club in Livingstone aimed at boosting bilateral and parliamentary relations.
While the men’s football team tumbled, the Zambian netball team beat the Zimbabwean parliamentarians 5-3.
Zimbabwe took an early lead through Eric Murai after a scramble in the Zambian goal anchored by Forrie Tembo as the hosts were made to pay dearly for their several missed chances coming through Chipangali Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Mwale.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini, also had a good chance to score for Zambia through a free kick but was unable to find the back of the net before he was substituted by team captain Stephen Kampyongo, who is also Home Affairs Deputy Minister.
Even super substitutes like Commerce, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Miles Sampa, Kabwata MP Given Lubinda and Katuba MP Jonas Shakafuswa could not help matters as the team succumbed to defeat.
Zimbabwe wrapped up the match courtesy of a Washington Musvaire goal in the second half after his shot beat Tembo, who seemed to have misjudged the ball. Tembo was later substituted for Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula.
Speaking in an interview after the games, Matibini said the games provided a very good opportunity for the two countries to promote bilateral relations and also gave MPs an opportunity to interface and learn from each other.
“This was an exciting game and I am sure we will carry the day next time we play with our counterparts. Whatever perceived differences we may have, we are one and it is important to cement our personal relationship,” he said.
Matibini said Zambia had a good team of MPs which could be exhibited to the nation at large.
Zimbabwe captain Trevor Saruwaka, who was happy to have won the game, described Zambia as a strong team.
“Both parties must celebrate because this is a relation building game, Zimbabwe and Zambia are one family and we are happy to play with our brothers,” he said.
He said the dream was to have Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member countries MPs play against each other to enhance relations to socialise more.
Kampyongo said the overall objective of the tournament was to foster relations and help MPs keep in shape and become healthy leaders by making decisions with alert minds.
Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo, who inspired the netball team to victory, said her team was looking for a rematch in Zimbabwe to continue with the winning spirit and hailed the partnership the two Parliaments have established.
Zimbabwean netball team manager, Marbel Nkatazo said her team enjoyed the game and was looking forward to the next match, which would be a return match in Zimbabwe.