ROBINSON KUNDA, Lusaka
MINISTER of Youth, Sport and Child Development Vincent Mwale says Manchester United legend Andy Cole’s visit to Zambia will inspire upcoming players to strive for excellence.
Mwale said Cole is one of the most successful players the world has ever known and his coming to Zambia will act as a motivation to upcoming players.
He was speaking in an interview on Saturday night at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka after watching the English Premiership match between Chelsea and Everton that ended 3-3.
“I think Andy Cole has been an idol for many young footballers and it’s good to see Barclays Bank bringing him to Zambia. He had a successful career which must be emulated,” Mwale said.
Cole won three trophies with Manchester United in 1999.
He won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
Mwale said many young players would like to play the way Cole did in his 19-year career which saw him score 187 Premier League goals.
“Personally I had to come here to support this programme because Barclays Bank has really done a lot for Zambian football and they are pledging to do a lot more so we have to encourage them. We have to show them that we appreciate the effort they are making,” he said.
Mwale said sponsoring the Barclays Cup is one way through which the financial institution is promoting Zambian football.
And Cole is happy to be in Zambia.
He was humbled by the reception that was accorded to him and the friendliness of Zambians.
Barclays Bank managing director Savior Chibiya said the organisation is excited to bring an accomplished footballer to Zambia.
Chibiya said Barclays Bank values sport and will continue supporting Zambian football.