With just a month to go to the start of the African Cup of Nations, Zambia¿s plans are facing financial difficulties.
The government, which was expected to foot the bill for Chipolopolo¿s trip to Mali has announced that it will now only come up with half the cash.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) had submitted a budget amounting to an equivalent of US$1.2m to the state for the finals and other build-up logistics.
But sport¿s ministry permanent secretary Bernard Simpokolwe said his government was only ready to foot US$500,000 for the African Cup.
``Government`s pledge is 2 billion kwacha¿ said Simpokolwe, a figure which is currently about US$500,000.
Workers contribution
Poulsen hopes to revive old glories
Simpokolwe instead said, in order to assist FAZ meet the shortfall, he will ask workers in his ministry to contribute towards the national team`s preparations and they will be approached for cash immediately.
He said if
allthe people in the country realised how important the Africa Cup was, then there would be no problem in meeting the deficit.
Meanwhile FAZ president, Evaristo Kasunga, was still optimistic his cash-strapped association could raise the missing US$700,000.
``There`s a big shortfall, but in Zambia there are many football followers,`` he said.
Kasunga has also been appealing for funds for what will be Zambia¿s eleventh trip to the continental finals.
Beer Money
A local company Zambian Breweries plc has since led the way by donating US$1,000 to FAZ in a bid to meet their target.
The once mighty Zambia, who were losing finalists at the 1974 and 1994 Cup of Nations finals have been running into increasing difficulties.
Earlier this year an enquiry was launched to investigate what is wrong in Zambian football.
Beetween now and the kick off to the African Cup of Nations, the people of Zambia will be asked to vote in a Presidential election on 27 December.
