CHISEKESI ward of Monze central constituency came alive with excitement yesterday as aspiring lawmaker Victor Cheelo was welcomed like a champion already during the latest edition of the Victor Cheelo Ward Tournament.
Hundreds of residents filled the dusty grounds with chants of ‘Cheelo! Mwana Mupale!’ as the youthful politician arrived to witness the tournament finals and engage with the people.
The Chisekesi tournament was part of a wider sports programme being rolled out across all 12 wards of Monze Central, where a total of K78,000 has been invested in football and netball tournaments to create platforms for youths and empower them.
Speaking to Kalemba shortly after the tournament, Cheelo explained that using sport to bring people together and keep young people away from destructive habits is one of the most effective ways of building a healthy, united and forward-looking community.
The youthful rancher said that investing in sport was not just about entertainment, but about shaping lives and futures especially for youths who often have few recreational activities in rural areas.
Cheelo, a 31-year-old economist with his eyes on Parliament in 2026, revealed that the K78,000 was the total budget set aside for sports tournaments across the constituenc.
Yesterday, it was Chisekesi Ward’s turn to get a piece of the pie.
“This is important in the community because it brings people together in harmony and also keeps young people from doing drugs or alcohol,” Cheelo said.
“It also helps to reduce early pregnancies because people now have something positive to keep them busy.”
Beyond the football field, Cheelo has been active in supporting youth boxing, donating a community vehicle, and promoting agro-industrial development as part of his vision to turn Monze into a beef-processing and farming hub.
A young rancher has already declared his intention to run for Parliament in 2026 under the ruling UPND ticket and positioned himself to challenge Jack Mwiimbu’s 25 years unbroken record as Monze Central Constinuency lawmaker.
By George Musonda
Kalemba June 29, 2025
