By REBECCA MUSHOTA –

CABINET has approved Zambia’s hosting of the Orange CAF Africa Under-20 Championship in 2017, giving the nation the first opportunity to stage a continental football showpiece.
Acting Chief Government spokesperson, Vincent Mwale made the announcement yesterday at State House when he briefed the Press on what Cabinet had resolved in their sitting on Monday this week.
The Cabinet meeting that made the approval was chaired by President Edgar Lungu.
Mwale, who is Sport Minister, said Cabinet resolved to approve that Zambia should host the 2017 Africa Under-20 Championship to promote the development of sport in the country.
“Partial rights were given by CAF (Confederation of African Football). What was needed was the approval of Government which Cabinet has done for us to ensure that we host the Under-20 championship. So now it is approved, we are hosting the Under-20 in 2017,” he said.
Mwale said hosting such a tournament was a major milestone for the country and was a prerequisite for Zambia to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or the World Cup in future.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya said Football House was looking forward to a fantastic tournament in 2017.
Kalusha promised the African footballing family of the best Zambian hospitality.
“Good , we look forward to a fantastic CAF Under-20 tournament come 2017. I am sure the larger African footballing family will enjoy the Zambian hospitality,” Kalusha tweeted.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Zambia the right to host the 2017 Africa Youth Championship in 2013.
CAF during its executive committee meeting held in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday September 21, 2013 gave Zambia the opportunity.
Zambia takes over the mantle of staging the African Youth Championship from Senegal who hosted the 2015 edition.