Lusaka Central Member of Parliament Mulambo Haimbe says sport plays an important role in keeping young people from different vices such as alcohol and substance abuse.
Mr Haimbe who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation notes that young people usually engage in various vices especially during the festive season.
He states that it is therefore important for youths to engage in productive activities such as soccer and other sports.
ZANIS reports that the Minister said this today during an Inaugural Football Scouting Tournament dubbed ‘’The Mulambo Haimbe Tournament”.
” This tournament is an important contribution to the community. As you know, it’s festive season and many young people tend to engage in different vices. Apart from providing them an opportunity to play professional soccer, this tournament is keeping both players and fans from wrong activities. ” He explained.
And in a separate interview, Mwanza Banda, a FIFA Agent who is also Co-organiser of the tournament, explained that the games are meant to expose grassroots soccer players to local and international scouts.
He disclosed that a scout from Gagra Football Club in Georgia, Europe is in the country to identify talent from grassroots soccer in Lusaka Central.
Banda further disclosed that 26 teams are currently playing in the tournament at Bauleni School Grounds.
“Initially we had 24 teams registered but as the tournament went on, we received more, bringing the number to 26.
Meanwhile, the Gagra Football Club Coach Irakli Khvedeliani who also spoke in an interview expressed confidence that his mission to find talented players will be achieved.
“We are here to support young players and give them a chance to play professional football.” He said.
And Head of Youth Football at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Clifford Mulenga said the talent exhibited by the football players in Lusaka Central so far is impressive.
He further urged community leaders to organise more such platforms which provide young people with an opportunity to play professional football both locally and internationally.
