The last batch of Team Zambia athletes and officials arrived in the country this afternoon. The team was welcomed by a delegation led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe. The welcoming ceremony, held at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, was also attended by Treasurer Victor Banda, Athletes Commission Chair Richard Mulenga and members of the secretariat.
During the welcome ceremony, the P.S. congratulated the athletes for their performance at the games, especially bronze medal-winning athlete Muzala Samukonga. Notably, Samukonga was yet to arrive in the country due to upcoming competitions in Europe, including the Diamond League, which he has been invited to compete in.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister of Sport, Honourable Elvis Nkandu M.P, P.S. Kangwa emphasized the government’s commitment to the athletes. He stated that the government of the Republic of Zambia will endeavour to continue providing equitable support to athletes and all other sport disciplines. To further this commitment, and in addition to existing strategies, the Ministry, through the National Sports Council of Zambia, is set to finalize the incentives and rewards guidelines. These guidelines will provide direction on sustainable provision of allowances and remunerations to athletes, coaches, and support staff.
Highlighting the national pride in the team’s accomplishments, Kangwa added that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, is overjoyed with the participation of Team Zambia athletes and pays glowing tribute to Team Zambia for their efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The sentiment of gratitude was echoed by NOCZ President Alfred Foloko. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts through P.S. Kangwa Chileshe, the National Sports Council of Zambia General Secretary Sombwa Musunsa, and OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre Acting C.E.O. Tembo and accompanying officials from the three entities for welcoming Team Zambia back home.
While expressing satisfaction with Team Zambia’s performance in Paris, Foloko also looked to the future. He called for work towards a clear road map to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This strategy, he suggested, should take into consideration upcoming youth competitions such as the AUSC Region 5 Games and the African Youth Games to be held in 2025. Foloko emphasized that these events can be used for talent identification, paving the way for success in future international competitions, including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, 2027 African Games in Egypt, and ultimately the L.A. 2028 Olympic Games in the United States of America.
The homecoming was made complete with the arrival of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games finalists in the Men’s 4x400m. Kennedy Luchembe, Patrick Nyambe, David Mulenga, Thomson Mbewe, and Sitali Kakene touched down today, accompanied by Coach Kezzia Nyendwa and Boxing Assistant Coach Ariel Banda. They were joined by Chef de Mission Rodrick Ndhlovu and other members of the Games Management Team, marking a conclusion to Zambia’s Olympic journey.
– NOCZ
