…Samukonga denies receiving cash after impressive performance at Diamond League
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
MUZALA Samukonga has denied reports that he has received $6, 000 which equivalent to K120,000 after sprinting to second in the 400 meters race on his first appearance at the Diamond League in Oslo, Norway on Thursday night.
Samukonga, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion and current world leader with a time of 43.91 seconds, had to settle for second place with a time of 44.49 seconds.
He denied reports that he was rewarded with cash after a performance which was unexpected.
“I have noticed a lot of pages posting false information concerning Thursday’s race and I receiving money. Kindly take that as false and it remains void. Any information that is not from my official accounts, World Athletics or Zambia Association of Athletes and not verified by my manager is false information,” Samukonga said.
Samukonga hailed Zambians for the support which motivated him to represent the country diligently in Norway.
“God bless you. You have all been supportive and I appreciate your prayers and support. The results for yesterday wasn’t as expected but my first appearance had an impact I hoped that we could have a Diamond trophy but nevertheless we still managed to get second position and your messages of congratulations are overwhelming,” Samukonga said.
On the track, Samukonga who is considered world leader lost the race to South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk, currently the second-fastest athlete in the world this season.
ZGU, Big Tree seal new partnership
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA Golf Union (ZGU) and Trade Kings have announced a new three years long partnership aimed at promoting the development of golf in Zambia.
Speaking during the louche of the partnership at Lusaka Golf Club, Trade Kings Group Public Relations Manager Bridget Kambobe said the partnership reflects Big Tree’s commitment to fostering skills development, encouraging participation and promoting sporting excellence within ZGU membership.
Kambobe said Big Tree will provide extensive skill development programmes for ZGU members including targeted initiatives specifically for junior golfers.
“By offering these programmes, Big Tree aims to nurture talent and create a strong foundation for the future of golf in Zambia,” Kambobe said.
“Big Tree Beverages is dedicated to promoting sporting excellence through out the ZGU membership. Through various initiatives, including sponsorship, scholarships and training opportunities, the company seeks to provide resources and support that will empower golfers to reach their full potential,” she said.
Kambobe said Big Tree was determined to increase the participation of ZGU members at international golf championships.
The deal which compels Big Tree to work with ZGU to enhance the number of professional open tournaments held annually, excited government.
Ministry of Sports Youth and Arts acting Director of Sports, Mable Beene Nedzibe commended Trade Kings for taking the lead to inspire Sports Federations to aim at becoming financial independent.
