By FELIX MALUNGA –
THE Zambia Forest and Forestry Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has challenged newly promoted MTN-FAZ Premier Division League side, Forest Rangers to finish among the top five teams in the 2015 season.
ZAFFICO company secretary, Morgan Mukwasa said Forest’s aim for the forthcoming football season should be modest and that winning the league title would be treated as a bonus.
Speaking during the end of year party for Forest at Savoy Hotel in Ndola on Thursday evening, Mukwasa said after winning the Division One North League this year, the 2005 Coca-Cola Cup champions should now target a top five finish in the elite league.
He pledged ZAFFICO’s continued support to Forest but challenged the Richard Kalasa-led club executive to be more innovative and come up with other fundraising ventures instead of always waiting to be bailed out by the company.
ZAFFICO managing director, Frighton Sichone said one cardinal thing which the firm did was to change the club executive and that the Kalasa-led team managed to deliver within a year.
Kalasa said patience, determination, perseverance and team work won Forest promotion back to the Premiership after spending only 10 months in the lower division.
He said the executive now wanted to build on the 2014 success and become a force to reckon with the top flight.
Kalasa, who is also Ndola Deputy Mayor, paid tribute to coach Willie Nkonde and team for securing Forest promotion on November 29 with 65 points and emerge Division One North champions.
FAZ treasurer, Kelvin Mutafu challenged Forest to become giant-killers in the MTN league next season.
Mutafu, a former Forest chairperson, informed the club that they were returning to the top flight when FAZ was introducing the mandatory Club Licencing next year, signalling the start of professionalism in the local game.
Meanwhile, veteran striker, Owen Kaposa was crowned Forest’s Footballer of the Year with Kelvin Mwelwa’s seven goals winning him the Top Scorer’s Award while Malar Besa was named the Most Disciplined Player.
Julius Mpundu picked up the Most Improved Player accolade while the Most Consistent Player was Lighton Kasalota.
Congolese player, Diego Apanani was the Most Skilled in the year while the Most Hard Working Player was Walter Bwalya.
Forest and Mufulira Wanderers won promotion to the MTN Premier League from Division One North this year.