SAMUKONGA TAKES AIM AT ZA
…Sprinter demands serious leadership and better support for athletes
By Cecilia Nayame
FORMER 400 metres Commonwealth Games gold medalist Muzala Samukonga has questioned the competence of the Bernard Bwalya-led Zambia Athletics (ZA) executive.
The sprinter has accused the association of failing to adequately support athletes.
Samukonga has also cast doubt on Bwalya’s leadership qualities, saying the former ZA executive led by Elias Mpondela performed better in supporting athletes on national duty.
“Zambia athletics needs serious leadership. It also needs people who are serious about developing the sport in Zambia,” he posted on his official Facebook page yesterday.
Samukonga said the current ZA leadership did not care about the welfare of athletes, especially those representing the country at international competitions.
“You cannot build champions when you burden them with costs that government through the association should cover…it is deeply disappointing that under the current presidency and the executive of Zambia Athletics, led by Major Bernard Bwalya, athletes continue representing the country at their own expense while on national duty,” Samukonga wrote.
He urged the ZA executive to look into the plight of athletes and find a lasting solution to the challenges they face.
“How can you expect to grow the sport and win medals when athletes are being asked to pay for their own air tickets to represent the nation?” he asked.
Samukonga said the treatment of athletes under the current ZA executive was regrettable and called for greater government support.
“Representing Zambia is a national duty which should come with national support, especially from the Ministry of Sport through Zambia Athletics. Since the current administration of Zambia Athletics came into office, there has been no major achievements nor proper athlete welfare, there is no clear development plan for athletics in Zambia,” Samukonga said.
He appealed to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts to take keen interest in the matter before the situation jeopardises the development of athletics.
“This is too much and out of hand, as athletes we deserve better. The Ministry of Sport and other relevant stakeholders must intervene and ensure that athletics in Zambia is run by leaders who can mobilise resources, account for them, and prioritise athletes first,” he said.
Samukonga, who surrendered his Commonwealth gold at this year’s Games in Glasgow, expressed frustration with what was happening under the current administration.
“Instead, we have seen frustration, withdrawal and athletes funding their own trips and expenses,” he said.
Samukonga also paid tribute to the former ZA executive led by Mpondela, saying its efforts were more visible on national duties and other matters concerning Zambian athletics.
“Even though the previous administration of Elias Mpondela didn’t do much, the efforts were seen especially on national duties and other issues regarding Zambian athletics. Until then, talent will continue to go to waste, this is too much now and it has gotten out of control, which needs to be addressed,” he said.
