By BARNABAS ZULU
HUNDREDS of residents from North-Western Province, along with local leaders, gathered at the Sentinel School grounds in Solwezi for the launch of the Trident Football Academy.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, accompanied by provincial chairperson Arthur Kamulosu, general secretary Reuben Kamanga, and technical director Lyson Zulu, was the guest of honour.
Dignitaries present included Senior Chief Musele of the Lunda, North Western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi (rtd), council chairperson Shadreck Munjunga, and district commissioner Brenda Sakisa Kamboyi. Member of Parliament Nicholas Mukumi also joined the festivities.
During a courtesy visit from the FAZ president and his team, Katambi expressed gratitude for FAZ’s commitment to grassroots football.
“I am very happy that you came all the way to witness this event. It means a lot to us and the community. I was one of the critics when you started your tenure but now we are seeing the fruits. You are doing a commendable job,” Katambi said.
Trident Foundation chairperson Joseph Ngwira explained that the mining firm decided to focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots.
“Previously the focus was on the team playing in the elite league but we realised that the rewards could be more if we ventured into the grassroots,” Ngwira stated, emphasising the goal of tapping talent from surrounding communities.
Kamanga highlighted that the academy launch aligns perfectly with the decentralisation policy implemented by Football House.
He encouraged the regional leadership to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this initiative.
The academy will also run a scholarship programme for candidates who excell.
As part of the launch, the organisers arranged a match between the Solwezi under-16 select team and the Musele under-16 side.
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