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The Southern Province U-17 boys team has been crowned champions of this year’s ZANACO Grassroots U-17 National Football Tournament, held at Lusaka’s Sunset Stadium.
North Western Province finished as first runners-up, while Muchinga Province claimed third place in the boys’ category.
In the girls’ category, Copperbelt Province emerged champions, with Northern Province taking second place and Eastern Province finishing third.
The tournament, which brought together teams from all ten provinces, was aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, ZANACO Board Chairperson, Professor Oliver Saasa said developing young talents today would produce stars who would raise Zambia’s flag high on the global stage.
“We are optimistic that this tournament has helped identify the future champions of Zambia, and we are committed to supporting their journey every step of the way,” Saasa said.
He noted that sports were powerful drivers of growth, citing FIFA and World Trade Organization (WTO) studies released in March this year, which projected the FIFA World Cup 2026 could generate up to US$40.9 billion in global GDP.
According to Saasa, sport could deliver US$8.28 billion in social benefits, create nearly 824,000 full-time equivalent jobs worldwide, and foster community development.
“Sports inspire young people, promote health, and bring nations together—values that resonate deeply with our vision at ZANACO,” he said.
Saasa reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting sports, saying this reflects a broader mission to put customers, communities, staff, and the country first.
He added that the tournament showcased how the bank prioritized community development, created opportunities for youth, promoted inclusivity, and supported the aspirations of the nation’s future leaders.
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“To the young players: congratulations once again on your incredible effort and achievements. Whether you came first or learned something valuable along the way, you are all winners for showing up, playing with heart, and representing Zambia with pride,” Saasa said.
He urged them to maintain their enthusiasm, work hard, and remember they were the future of Zambia’s sports.
ZANACO Chief Executive Officer. Mukwandi Chibesakunda, noted that Africa was seeing a new generation of sporting stars shining on the world stage.
She cited examples such as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, whose talent had made him one of the most valuable footballers globally with a net worth estimated at over US$53 million as of October last year, according to Forbes.
Chibesakunda also mentioned Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, renowned for his speed and skill, with an estimated net worth of US$50 million, and Zambia’s own Barbara Banda, who continues to carry the nation’s flag proudly.
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