Football legend, Chitambala, hails KCM’s $5 million investment as a turning point for Zambian football

Former Zambia international and football analyst, Frank Chitambala, has described Konkola Copper Mines’ (KCM) K93 million (approximately US$5 million) sponsorship of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) as a landmark investment that has the potential to transform football development from grassroots to the national level. Speaking following KCM’s announcement of the five-year partnership with FAZ, Chitambala said the sponsorship extends far beyond football, representing a significant investment in communities, youth development and the country’s sporting future. “This is more than a sponsorship.

It is an investment in people, communities and the future of Zambian football,” Chitambala said. He said KCM’s commitment demonstrates that the mining company views sport as an important vehicle for social development, helping improve community wellbeing while creating opportunities for young people to develop their talent. Chitambala noted that football has long served as a powerful platform for personal development, with many Zambian players using the game to transform their lives and positively influence their communities.

“Football is a God-given gift for many young Zambians. It has opened doors, created careers and inspired generations. When companies invest in football, they are investing in the country’s human capital.” He further welcomed KCM’s decision to support both men’s and women’s football, describing it as a timely intervention at a period when corporate sponsorship for sport has become increasingly difficult to secure.

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“Supporting both men’s and women’s football sends a strong message. It strengthens the entire football ecosystem and ensures opportunities are available to more athletes across the country.”According to Chitambala, sustained corporate investment has historically played a critical role in raising the standard of Zambian football and stimulating economic activity within communities. He pointed to the Copperbelt as a clear example, noting that clubs such as Nchanga Rangers FC and Konkola Blades FC experienced significant challenges during periods of limited sponsorship, including relegation to lower divisions.

He said renewed investment has the potential to restore competitiveness while generating wider social and economic benefits for local communities. “When football is properly supported, everyone benefits. Clubs become stronger, communities become more vibrant, businesses benefit on match days and young players have something positive to aspire to.

This investment has the potential to rekindle that progress.” Earlier this week, KCM announced a K93 million sponsorship over five years with the Football Association of Zambia, becoming the Official Partner of FAZ and Title Sponsor of the KCM FAZ Cup. The partnership builds on the company’s recent sponsorship of the Copper Queens during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and expands KCM’s support to men’s football, women’s football and football development initiatives across the country. KCM also continues to support grassroots football through sponsorship of Nchanga Rangers FC, Konkola Blades FC, Nampundwe United FC and Aguila Stars FC, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to developing football talent and creating opportunities for future generations.

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