Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:07:42 +0000
By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
FORMER republican President, Rupiah Banda, has advised the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and other stakeholders to take keen interest in the development of futsal as it was a backbone of great footballers for the nation.
The former president said futsal had the potential to grow if all stakeholders worked together to develop the sport.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday after watching the Zambia Futsal league 2018 season opening match between AE Bullets and CSS at Automotive Equipment Arena, Banda said FAZ and the corporate world should work hand in hand to foresee the growth of the sport in Zambia.
He said futsal was a fast paced type of soccer which made players become better football players as they can endure the pressure.
“We need to encourage those spearheading the growth of futsal like the honour of this facility by coming to watch these games and assist in any way possible because this is a new game.
Imagine how many children would have benefitted from this in the next five years,” he said.
He commended Automotive club Chairman, Tarak Mehta, for giving a platform to young ones to develop their talent.
He also counselled the young players to be discipline and focus on their education.
“Futsal is a disciplined sport, so I urge the talented young ones to be disciplined both on and off the pitch to become great. And they should not just concentrate on sport but also work hard in school,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo midfielder Chisamba Lungu, urged scouts and national technical bench to watch the futsal league if they are to identify good players.
Lungu emphasised that futsal players have proved better the world over better than the eleven aside trained players.
“It is sad that FAZ had no representation at the ZFL league and wondered how they will spot good players. Scouts and coaches must take interest to watch these matches, players like Brazil’s Ronaldinho, Argentina’s Messi including myself are a product of futsal . Let us all support the growth of this sport and be assured of great footballer in future,” he said.
