Zambia: Zanaco Bank has launched a grassroots soccer tournament worth over K2 million for the youngsters of the country. The tournament is aimed at identifying and nurturing young soccer talent across the country.
The Zanaco Bank shared that they have been looking into ways bring more youngsters to showcase their talent in soccer. The Minister of Youth, Sport and Art, Elvis Nkandu has pledged to support these initiatives.
He was happy to note that the company was supporting the government’s efforts towards sports development in the country. The officials have shared that they are delighted by the support from various organization.
The unveiling of the event was hosted in Lusaka, Nkandu. The Minister said that government recognises sports as an important tool that can be used to attain economic development.
Sports can also play an important role in the government’s efforts to reduce poverty among communities. He said this is why his Ministry has allocated over K30 million to be used for managing sports at community level.
The funds have to be managed by the local administration. The officials have shared that this is a way of diversifying the identification of talent in various sports disciplines.
Nkandu has since praised Zanaco bank for the initiative. The Minister added that it will go a long way in giving the young people a chance to showcase their talent.
The officials have shared that the grassroots soccer tournament will also help the youngsters to expose themselves to opportunities that can better their lives.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Education to make the school going children and sports infrastructure in schools available for the tournament, stating that schools serve as a reservoir of untapped talent.
Zanaco Interim Chairperson, Regina Mulenga, explained that the grassroot programme seeks to cultivate young homegrown soccer talent from schools encompassing both young boys and girls under the age of 17.
Mulenga noted that the tournament will leverage on existing provincial school competitions to identify winners from across the country.
She added that Zanaco has been a key player in supporting soccer and other sports disciplines as the bank believes that sports has power to inspire, unite and empower individuals in order for them to foster development at community level.