Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
U-20 Afcon Zambia 2017 impresses Hayatou
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou says he is impressed with the way Zambia has organized the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
And FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said that he was confident Zambia may be given the rights to host a bigger tournament in future based on the manner the U-20 tournament had been organized.
Meanwhile sports minister Moses Mawere said that the success of the U-20 tournament had bonded the nation into one happy unit.
During a CAF U-20 send off dinner at Intercontinental Hotel, Hayatou said his team had a chance to sample the country’s tourism.
“As CAF president I have the obligation to tell you that I am happy with the manner this tournament has been organized. I would love this level of organization to continue as we approach the final days so that we have a smooth end,” he said.
The CAF president said that the lead role of the political leadership in the country had been critical in ensuring that the tournament is a success.
“Organizing a tournament of this magnitude requires cooperation of the political side, that is why I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Zambia (Edgar Lungu) who has been attending most of the matches,” he said.
“His presence has been very important not just now but even high level of officials in the meetings before now.”
Hayatou said that beyond the tournament his team had sampled the Zambian tourism flavour and hoped to come back for some more in future.
“Beyond the organization of this tournament, we have had the opportunity to see Zambia’s tourism. We went to Livingstone and loved the sights and hope to come back in future for more,” he said.
In his speech Kamanga thanked Zambians for having supported the hosting of the tournament.
“It is our hope, that in future Zambia shall be given an opportunity to host the senior African Cup of Nations,” Kamanga said.
He said hosting the tournament had come on the back of strong preparations by Zambia.
Mawere said that the U-20 success had diluted tension in the country with people standing side by side to enjoy the matches.
The tournament comes to a close on Sunday with Zambia and Senegal facing off in the final while South Africa and Guinea will be up against each other in the fight for bronze in the early kick off at Heroes Stadium.
FAZ