NOCZ President Alfred Foloko pays tribute to fallen heroes

National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Alfred Foloko, has paid tribute to the fallen heroes who perished in 1993 plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean shortly after taking off from Libreville, Gabon.

Speaking after laying wreaths at the memorial site outside the Independence Stadium in Lusaka Foloko, said the Olympic movement acknowledges the part the fallen heroes played in the development of sport in the country stating that those in sport should consider emulating the heroes and avoid wrangles. He said it is unfortunate that some sports administrators in some selected sport associations have persisted with ”In fighting” but urged them to follow provisions in their constitutions and also guidelines from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development through the National Sports Council of Zambia.

He says unity is cardinal in the development of sport in every nation hence the need for sports administrators to support each other if the country is to continue recording positive results at major competitive games.

And Foloko, has appealed to all athletes in the country not to indulge themselves in sports wrangles adding that their focus should only be on the field of play by delivering results which the nation anticipate from them such a winning medals.

And OYDC Zambia, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fredrick Chitangala, who joined the NOCZ president in laying wreathes said it is sad that the nation is celebrating these heroes at the time when the country is grappling with the Covid-19 but emphasized on the need for the fallen heroes to be remembered for the passion they had for football. He added that the OYDC Zambia, remains committed to nurture young talented athletes who in turn will become superstars and national heroes. He hinted that this can only be made possible if more support from the corporate is given to the multisport facility.

Meanwhile, Teqball Zambia International Relations Director Shukri Esidieg Eljaiedi, who was part of those laying wreathes said he is happy that his association is part of those that are celebrating the fallen heroes. Eljaiedi, further said the team had inspired many sports enthusiasts adding that the nation lost a good team in a plane crash.

Zambia on 27 April, 2020 marked 27 years after the Zambia National Football team perished off the coast of Gabon leaving all the football players on board killed including five crew members. The team was heading to a FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Senegal in Dakar when the sad incident occurred.