PRESIDENT Michael Sata will send a high profiled delegation to represent him at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals on February 12 in Libreville, Gabon to be led by Republican Vice-President Dr Guy Scott. And the President has congratulated the gallant Zambia soccer team on their historic qualification to the semi-finals of the prestigious 2012 AFCON competition after beating Sudan 3-0 at the weekend. According to a Press statement released by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations George Chellah in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Sata has instructed the vice-president to represent him at the function along with three Cabinet ministers. Dr Scott would be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda, Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili. Sata was invited by his Gabonese counterpart to attend the closing ceremony and final of the Africa Cup of Nations, to take place in Libreville on February 12, 2012. “I have instructed His Honour the Vice-President Dr Scott to represent me at this important event. Dr Scott will be accompanied by the Hon Given Lubinda, Hon Fackson Shamenda and Hon Chishimba Kambwili,” President Sata said. In his message to the Chipolopolo Boys, Sata, who is thrilled with the team’s performance said nothing stops a resolute squad that desired to achieve their set target. He said every obstacle is simply a course to develop the team’s achievement muscle and ultimately strengthening its powers of accomplishment. “Along with this message is my applause and gratitude for the wonderful job you have done by resoundingly beating Sudan 3-0 and earning yourselves a spot in the semi-finals. I urge you to keep up the good work and give the world the best you have, and the best will come to you,” he said. The President congratulated the team and their management, saying the fruit of their labour is sweet, and that they deserve it. “As you continue the pursuit for the elusive title, you must remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if you are miles away in Equatorial Guinea, the spirit of millions of Zambians is with you,” he said. Zambia started the expedition at the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the revered Senegal, held Libya to a 2-2 stalemate before edging co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 1-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals. This is the first time Zambia is reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations since 1996 when they won a bronze medal in South Africa after beating Ghana 1-0 courtesy of a Joel Bwalya long range strike. “You have been worthy and true ambassadors for your motherland and I believe that you are up to the task as you face your next opponents,” Sata said. The President has sent his best wishes and luck to the national soccer team in their next encounter. “I reiterate that if our team reaches the finals, I pledge to fully support and facilitate the entry of the Zambian soccer fans into Libreville,” he said. Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Store Builder | Android Games | Hud Software

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Sata Hails Chipolopolo

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