By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
MOPANI Copper Mines chief executive officer (CEO) Johan Jansen was on Friday night bestowed as Diggers Rugby Club first-ever patron.
Diggers Club chairperson Chileshe Bweupe said during the installation ceremony held at Diggers Club House that the Kitwe giants had picked the Mopani CEO after showing great passion for the game.
“Mr Jansen is a great friend and supporter of Diggers Rugby Club. We have never had a patron and the reason why we are having a patron is because we want a patron who has a passion for rugby, a great love for this sport and Diggers Rugby Club and someone who we can work with and share diggers’ dreams and aspirations,” Bweupe said.
Bweupe said Diggers were looking forward to Jansen’s experience in rugby to help direct and guide the Kitwe giants forward.
Meanwhile, Jansen said he was honoured to be appointed as Diggers first-ever patron.
He also praised ‘Men At Work’ Diggers for finishing runners-up in the Owen Busange 7s and Knockout Cup tournaments after overcoming a difficult season characterised by a player exodus and the death of coach Robertson ‘Plough’ Kangongwe in May.
“When I look at the proud history of Diggers and it comes with a huge responsibility and my responsibility is to give my utmost best to grow Diggers, and to make Diggers a well-known name not only in Zambia, not only in Africa but in the world,” Jansen said.
“I don’t think many of you know that Mopani started supporting the Zambia national rugby team earlier this year. I would not have supported it if I did not think that there were opportunities for a few of you, hopefully 10 or 12 of you to be in the national team.”