Siamfuko mamed Zambia’s Chef de Mission to Malta Youth Games

By BENEDICT TEMBO

THE Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA-Zambia) have appointed a young athlete, Esther Siamfuko to lead Team Zambia as Chef de Mission to the 2027 Malta Games.

CGA Zambia president Alfred Foloko, in making the appointment confirmed Siamfuko will be the Chef de Mission to the Commonwealth Youth Games, making her the first young person to lead the Zambian delegation to the Games.

This appointment comes as Zambia stepped up preparations for the Games, aiming to build a strong team for the event, which will be held from October 29 to November 4, 2027.

Siamfuko currently serves as chairperson of the NOCZ Athletes Commission and, by virtue of representing athletes, is also a member of the CGA Zambia Board.

According to NOCZ media, Foloko said the appointment reflects his vision of giving young sports personalities’ opportunities to take up leadership responsibilities at major sporting events, particularly those involving young athletes.

He noted that placing a young leader at the helm of the delegation would provide an opportunity for athletes to be represented and understood, while also encouraging greater youth participation in sports administration and leadership.

Foloko has since called on all national sports federations whose disciplines are earmarked for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games to work closely with and support the appointed Chef de Mission to ensure Zambia is adequately prepared and well represented at the Games.

The CGA Zambia Secretariat will work closely with the appointed Chef de Mission, providing the necessary administrative support and coordination to facilitate her work as preparations for the Games progress.

This collaboration is expected to ensure effective planning, communication and coordination among all stakeholders involved in Team Zambia’s participation at Malta 2027.

At Malta 2027, Zambia has been allocated an open quota of eight entries across four sports: Athletics, Swimming, Squash and Triathlon.

Foloko also indicated that participation in Netball, Para Athletics, Para Swimming and Weightlifting will be subject to invitations from the respective international federations.

The Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games will bring together athletes aged between 14 and 18 from across the Commonwealth, with approximately 1, 150 young competitors from 74 nations and territories expected to compete in eight sports.

Ends.