The Government of Zambia under the auspices of H. E Hakainde Hichilema is in support of the Football Association of Zambia’s bid to host the 2025 AFCON, withdrawn from Guinea.
From the Southern African zone, Zambia and South Africa have put forth their bids. They are up against: Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Algeria and Morocco.
According to FAZ president – Andrew Kamanga, Zambia’s state officials have okayed the bid and promised addition of infrastructure.
‘Government is backing the bid and has committed to fulfill all requirements of the hosting agreement as demanded by CAF.
“It is our belief that we will compete with the other powerhouses but we remain convinced that our bid will meet CAF’s expectations,” the Zambian Football Association supremo stated.”
The CAF executive member went on: “The new dawn Government has prioritised hosting of major sporting events a a policy. Zambia was due to host AFCON in 1988 but we failed and got punished by CAF. It is in this regard that the new Government directed FAZ to submit a bid to host AFCON 2025. We plan to have 3 venues in Lusaka, Ndola/Kitwe and Livingstone.” Zambia, a country filled with loads of football history, is yet to host the Africa Cup of Nations.
As per infrastructure, Dr. Kamanga is well convinced that the 2012 AFCON winners are ready.
“In terms of infrastructure, we have two big stadiums: Heroes and Levy, we will have four existing stadiums upgraded and Government has agreed to build a new 20,000 seater stadium in Livingstone which is a global tourist destination. Accomodation for 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels is readily available to accomodate CAF officials, all the competing teams, as well as soccer fans in all the proposed 3 venues. Roads and other support infrastructure such as IT is available, including the hospitals.” Kamanga opined.
CAF will send inspection teams to all the 7 countries who have made a bid to host the competition, and eventually pronounce a winner in February.
