Zambia set to host U-20 tourney – FAZ

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 10:53:23 +0000

By GRACE CHAILE

FAZ says preparations to host the 2017 under-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is on course and eleven committees have already been put in place.

At a briefing held yesterday at Football House in Lusaka,  FAZ treasurer Rix Mweemba said the Local Organising committee (LOC) was working tirelessly to ensure that  the tournament was a success.

Mweemba assured the football fraternity that Zambia was ready to host the tournament set for February 26 to March 15 next year and all logistics were in place.

He said works on the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka have started to ensure the venue met the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

“We have made massive progress in the organization of the upcoming tournament. I want to assure the nation that we are not behind in terms of organisation and hence setting up of 11 committees. And all the members of these committees are working hard to meet the deadline, “he said.

He said the association in partnership with the ministry of Sports would endeavour to ensure the event was hosted without any embarrassment.

“We are ready to host this tournament and Zambia will not be embarrassed. The ministry and FAZ are closely working together to organize the tournament. Our desire is to put up an event that will leave a lasting impression to the outside world, “he said.

Mweemba clearly stated that  the National Heroes and Levy Mwanawasa in Ndola are the stadia that would be used for the tournament.

The 11 committee setup include publicity, football and delegation, marketing and sponsorship, security and safety, health, advertising, entertainment and transport.

FAZ chief Andrew Kamanga,  ministry of sports permanent secretary Agness Musunga director of Sports Bessie Chelemu, FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe and Mweemba constitute the LOC board.

Zambia is in Group A alongside Egypt, Mali and Guinea.