Media Statement
For Immediate Release
LUSAKA, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 – His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, has sent a message of best wishes and support to the Zambia National Soccer Team ahead of the African Cup of Nations finals, which starts this weekend.
“Over the weekend, you begin your competition games at the 28th Africa Cup of Nations finals. We need not remind you, but this is the 15th time that the Zambia National Soccer Team is flying our flag; our hopes and dreams; and the expectations of an entire nation,” President Sata says.
“As President of the Republic of Zambia as well as Patron of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), I am fully aware of the success of the intensive training sessions that you have had since 6th December. This should definitely put you in good stead to compete at the highest level from this Saturday, January 21st, 2012.
“You will recall from history and from your football leadership the special place that Gabon – venue of the 2012 final match – holds in our football history. It is the place where your predecessors valiantly died off the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, this tournament brings us those memories and makes this Africa Cup a very emotional one. That, however, should not put you under any pressure. It should instead inspire you to conquer.”
President Sata reminded the team: “You carry our flag, our dreams, fears, hopes and the weight of expectations of the entire population. When you put on those orange and green shirts, go out and compete to the best of your abilities. Be motivated with the thought that we are behind you, supporting you and following you. We take great pride in your talents, abilities and competitiveness which I strongly believe matches any other county which will be competing at the finals.”
The Head of State urged the team to go as far as they can and dare to dream to win the Cup because that is the long standing dream of every Zambian.
“I therefore challenge you to fight for every ball, cover every space and in the true sense of the might of the Chipolopolo never to feel intimated by anybody or surrender to any opposition. Remain disciplined and focused and keep working as a team and one unit for the glory of mother Zambia,” President Sata says.
“To you our boys, our coach Herve Renard and your backroom staff, the Association delegation led by Kalusha Bwalya and everyone working round the clock to ensure your success, you have my personal best wishes and support and that of my Government.”
Zambia are in Group A with 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists Senegal, 1982 Africa Cup runners-up Libya and debutants Equatorial Guinea.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS