RB raises US$475,000 for national soccer team

President Rupiah Banda has raised US$ 475,000 dollars from First Quantum Minerals for the preparation of the Zambia National Football Team. The funds will be used for the remaining qualifying games of the joint African Cup of Nations/World Cup.

President Banda said following his meetings with First Quantum Minerals, the company had agreed to pay the salary of the National Team Coach Harve Renard and his Assistant Patrice Beaumelle for the remaining games and purchase two brand new Toyota Hilux Double Cabs for their use.

The President thanked First Quantum Minerals for the gesture saying it would go a long way in boosting the morale in the team and the coaching staff. He appealed to other business houses to come forward and assist the team in their remaining matches.

And First Quantum Minerals Group Chief Executive Officer Philip Pascall said his company had decided to support the initiative by President Banda to raise funds for the National Team because the private sector has a major role to play in sport.

“FQM, like all mining companies, is facing difficulties due to very low copper prices. But we feel the need to share in hardships for the aspirations of the nation,” Pascall said.