THE Government’s initiative to create a Sports Development Fund account is the right way to go for Zambian sports.
This has come after several years of complaints from various sporting disciplines over a lack of funds to take care of some of their obligations.
Some sports associations have been failing for some time to send their athletes for international engagements because of inadequate or no finances for such programmes.
In some instances, some athletes have been made to travel long distances by road to compete in international events.
Not too long ago Zambia’s top tennis player, Edgar Kazembe had to travel by road to Nairobi to participate in the Kenya Open where he was the defending champion.
The Zambia Pool team also took a bus ride to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania to try and defend the African crown which unfortunate despite the efforts, the trophy could not be retained.
Local bowlers are also an example of athletes who have in the past failed to travel to defend their continental title due to financial hitches.
Now with the creation of a Sports Development Fund, it is envisaged that some of the problems faced by these associations could vanish.
Sports Minister, Vincent Mwale candidly put it that no sport should fail to fulfil an international assignment after the establishment of this account.
Therefore, it is imperative that the corporate world join hands with Government on this project and ensure there was more money in the basket to carter for everybody.
All disciplines that manage to qualify to their respective regional, continental or even world competitions are expected to be helped from the same account.
If this project succeeds, Zambian sport is destined to grow to greater heights.
It is pleasing to see Zambezi Portland Cement taking the lead by contributing K50,000 into the account which should be a reservoir for sports development.
I hope more firms will follow suit and contribute immensely into the sports account.
Similarly, I hope Government will soon find a sponsor to take care of the $25,000 salary for the Chipolopolo expatriate coach before the resumption of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.
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