GOVERNMENT has allocated 80 hectares of land in Chongwe to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for the development of a FIFA-funded technical centre and new FAZ headquarters.
The centre will include high-standard football pitches, accommodation, and a centre of excellence for coaching and refereeing.
This was revealed yesterday by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Arts permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe.
“We are confident that this initiative wilL elevate Zambia’s football to new heights, inspire countless young people and solidify our status as a football powerhouse in Africa,” Chileshe said.
He revealed that the project which is valued at US$10 million, is anticipated to create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and promote tourism.
“The development of this project has been designed taking into consideration long-term sustainability…[such as] green practices: incorporating environmentally friendly building techniques and energy-efficient systems.” He said.
Chileshe added that there is also going to be community integration. Local stakeholders will be engaged to ensure the facility benefits the surrounding community and creates a sense of ownership.
The project will also be a source a source of revenue as it will host numerous tournaments, training camps, and workshops to generate income for maintenance and reinvestment in football programmes
Chileshe emphasised the project’s alignment with the government’s vision for youth empowerment and national development.
He said the initiative follows the successful rehabilitation of four Zambian stadiums under a separate FIFA-funded programme.
Meanwhile, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the construction of the technical centre on the allocated land is one of the landmark projects FAZ secured through its partnership with FIFA under the FIFA forward programme.
“The technical centre is set to revolutionise football as it will house multiple facilities that will matter for different needs. the technical centre will have high standard football pitches, accommodation facilities, centre of excellency, gymnasium, medical facility, FAZ headquarters, conference facilities and academy facilities,” said Kamanga.
“Once completed the technical centre will be a game changer for the development of our game.”
Kalemba December 25, 2024
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