SYLVESTER CHISHIMBA, Lusaka
INSPECTOR General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says 200 metres sprinter Sydney Siame will be honoured for putting up a
splendid performance at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championship in London.
Kanganja said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that he is impressed with Siame’s participation.
He, however, could not disclose the honour Siame, who is a constable, will receive.
Siame finished fourth in the 200m semi-final race with 20.54seconds to exit the event.
He finished first in the first round with 20.29seconds.
“I had a chat this morning [yesterday] with Zambia Army commander Lieutenant General Paul Mihova on the performance of our two representatives. We as the servicemen are very happy with their performance. As they come back, we indeed are going to honour them, they made us proud,” Kanganja said.
He also said all sports disciplines under the Zambia Police Service will be motivated with training equipment and promotion of sportsmen and women.
“The Police Service is not only about arresting people, we also look at sports. This is why you see us motivating the sportsmen.As you have seen, Justin Shonga [Nkwazi Football Club striker] is now an inspector. This is to add value to the image of the police,” Kanganja said.
Meanwhile, Charge d’ Affairs at the Zambia High Commission in London Patricia Chanda has hailed Siame and 400m runner Kabange Mupopo for putting up a good showing at the World Championship.
Speaking when Zambia Amateur Athletics Association president Elias Mpondela and the two runners paid a courtesy call on her in London on Thursday, Chanda described Mupopo and Siame as heroes.
“Watching Kabange Mupopo and Sydney Siame at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford made me very proud being a Zambian. All I can say is well done team Zambia, we are very proud of you. We salute your achievements at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. You lifted the Zambian flag high,” she said.
And Mpondela saluted Mupopo for making it to the 400m final.
Mupopo finished seventh with 51.15 seconds.
“From our perspective, it was the second time she was running at this level. I was with her in Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games and she didn’t do as much as she has done here.
“Really, we are on the right path because she has only been in competitive athletics for only two years, which is not normal. The normal rise is five-ten years, so we are very pleased with Wednesday’s performance and to also see her post a personal best time here,” Mpondela said.
He said Mupopo and Siame’s performance gives hope ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Mpondela also praised coach Douglas Kalembo for doing great work with the two runners.
