By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

THE Zambia Bowling Association (ZBA) faces race against time to raise the K800,000 needed to successfully host the African States Tournament (AST), one of the most prestigious international lawn bowls competitions on the continent.
With the competition taking place from September 11 to 19, ZBA has only managed to raise about K50, 000 from its total budget.
ZBA president Chali Chilombo said in an interview yesterday that the association was waiting on the various companies that had pledged support to honour it.
“The biggest problem that we have now is fundraising; we haven’t made so much progress in that area except that the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) moved in to give us a minimal amount. We are now making follow ups on the companies that made pledges but I think we are capable to manage,” Chilombo said.
Chilombo said part of the money ZBA received from the SCZ had been chanelled towards upgrading of the greens at Lusaka club to meet the international standard.
He said an international umpire is expected to inspect the greens ahead of the tournament.
Zambia will compete for the top prize against South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi.
The tournament is expected to attract approximately 100 bowlers who will compete in four categories that include Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours.
Meanwhile, Ndola and Chibuluma won the women and men’s Triples tournament staged at the Ndola Bowling and Tennis club.
The Ndola ladies team was crowned winners after edging out Nchanga in the final while the men category saw two Chibuluma teams lock horns in the final with one clinching the top spot.