SHOPRITE, ZIS BACK GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL WITH SUPPORT FOR KAISER KALAMBO ACADEMY

By MUBITA KATETE

SHOPRITE Zambia and the Zambian Institute of Sport (ZIS) have reaffirmed their commitment to grassroots sports development following the donation of sports kits and equipment to the Kaiser Kalambo Sports Academy in Macha.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Shoprite Country Manager Charles Bota said grassroots academies play a critical role in identifying talent and shaping the future of Zambian sport.

“Grassroots academies are where dreams begin. This is where talent is discovered and where young boys and girls learn teamwork, resilience and self-belief,” Bota said.

He said supporting community-based academies helps keep young people engaged in positive activities while creating opportunities for personal growth and leadership.

Bota praised academy founder Kaiser Kalambo Jr. for his dedication to nurturing young talent in Macha and surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, ZIS representative Lube Samson Mukando described the donation as an important milestone in the institute’s efforts to professionalise sports in the country through training in coaching, sports administration, first aid, fitness and exercise.

He commended Shoprite for supporting sports development through scholarships and community programmes and called on more companies to invest in grassroots initiatives.

Mukando said the Kaiser Kalambo Sports Academy, located about 70 kilometres outside Choma, was helping to develop young players and provide opportunities for children to grow through sport.

The two organisations pledged to continue supporting grassroots sports development, saying investment in local academies is key to building future athletes and strengthening the country’s sporting landscape.

Ends.