Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts Elvis Nkandu has reprimanded sports federation officials for demanding allowances from the government whenever international fixtures emerge. 

The minister has warned the sports federations to source their own funding and not entirely depend on the government to sponsor them. 

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Governance Forum for National Sport Federations in Lusaka, Nkandu told federations to stop demanding allowances from the government. 

“Here is the Federation; they know that they have this fixture. When they were campaigning, they were saying, ‘We are going to mobilize resources. We will not only depend on the government, but when that trip comes, you want me to pay for your ticket, accommodation, and allowance,” he said. 

“What are you going to be doing? What is it that you are going to be doing?” Nkandu asked. “What is it that you were elected for? Yes, if you ask me, we can provide you with an air ticket because I know it’s expensive. We can also provide you some accommodation, at least food, but don’t ask me for an allowance. 

“An official asking the government for allowances. Allowances and bonuses should go to the players and athletes, not you. Don’t come to me for an allowance,” said Nkandu. 

Meanwhile, all sports federations are expected to source their own funding every time they need to fulfil an international fixture. 

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