The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the government, through the Ministry of Sports, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last week Thursday to provide 80 hectares of land for the construction of football pitches, accommodation facilities, a centre of excellence, and a new FAZ headquarters in Chongwe, which will be funded by FIFA.
The announcement was made by Special Assistant and advisor to President Hakainde Hichilema, Jito Kayumba, during a courtesy visit to statehouse by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was in the country to officially open the FAZ accommodation center.
According to the Times of Zambia, FIFA has invested $10 million in the construction of the FAZ technical centre and the new Football House headquarters.
“The responsibility for all of us is to continue investing in the game,” Infantino told President Hichilema at Statehouse. “Thanks for everything you are doing for the national team at the senior level for men and women. You can always do more; obviously, we can always do more.
Infantino urged FAZ to ensure they scout young players from all ten provinces and give them equal opportunities to utilize the facilities.
“We all have to do more and invest in our youths; they are the future. With this in mind, your future is definitely bright. We will now invest in academy training to bring the best coaches and talent and make them shine more but scout in all ten provinces to make sure that everyone has a chance and opportunity.”
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