I don’t interfere in football – RB

ALEX NJOVU reports:

 
PRESIDENT Banda has reiterated that he does not interfere in the running of football in Zambia.
Banda also said Government will investigate reports that Lap Green Network, the owners of Zamtel, have allegedly evicted Zamtel Football Club from Poteco Sports Club in Ndola, which is the source of income for the team.
He also disclosed that he sent an official from the Ministry of Sport to pay Zambia national team players allowances in Maputo when the Chipolopolo beat Mozambique 2-0 in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on March 27.
“I don’t interfere in the running of football in Zambia as some people accuse me. Instead of interfering, I assist. When Zambia was playing Mozambique I sent someone to Mozambique to pay the players their allowances and to look after the players because the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) did not have the money.
“I love football just like many Zambians, this is why when Emmanuel Mayuka scored the second goal I was very happy. I immediately sent someone to pay the players their allowances and ensure that the players are well looked after,” Banda said.
The President was speaking at a press conference at Kitwe’s Edinburgh Hotel yesterday.
Banda said he loves football and that he does not interfere in the management of the sport just like he does not interfere in the running of any institutions in the country.
He said he played a role in the engagement of national team coach Dario Bonetti after soccer fans asked him to do so.
“I went to watch a football match at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka between Zambia and South Africa and after the game some soccer fans came to me and said that they wanted a quality foreign coach to take over. This is how the Italian coach Dario Bonetti came. I don’t interfere in the running of football,” Banda said.
He also said Government will investigate reports that Zamtel Football Club has been evicted from Poteco Sports Club, which is the team’s source of income.
Banda said it was agreed during the sale of the company that new owners will continue sponsoring social activities, includingZamtel Football Club.
“I will investigate the matter, I will follow up the matter and issue a statement later. During the privatisation of the company, it was agreed that the new owners would continue sponsoring the social activities, including Zamtel Football Club,” Banda said.
He said he will continue supporting football and his dream is to ensure that the standard of the game improves.