SUN SPORTS writes
THE crowning of the 2020 Absa Cup champs may have been deferred to next year but the tournament sponsor Absa Bank Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting football development and inspiring sportspersons to achieve their optimum best.
In a statement issued to the media ABSA Bank Zambia Plc Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations, Mato Shimabale said the bank is exploring the option of having an expanded tournament next year after cancelling the 2020 edition due to the Corona Virus pandemic.
“As sponsors of the Absa Cup, we remain committed to sponsoring this tournament in line with our obligation to be a ‘Force for Good’ in the communities we operate.
“We are fully committed in supporting the growth of Zambian football and the talent that we have among the youth in line with the Bank’s purpose of bringing possibilities to life,” Shimabale said.
He said, because of the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, ABSA Bank and FAZ came to an amicable decision to cancel the 2020 tournament.
“The cancellation based on the current health concerns and the decision has been made in the best interest of all stakeholders, particularly the players and team officials,” he said.
Shimabale hailed government, FAZ and SuperSport for their continued support and co-operation in working with the Bank during the sponsorship of the tournament which has existed for over ten years in Zambia.
Meanwhile, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said the decision to push the ABSA Cup to next year was based on the prevailing health crisis in the country.
Kashala noted that FAZ is happy that Absa, who are the official African Banking Partner of the English Premier League, continue to commit to the development of Zambian football.
“While the cancellation of the tournament this year is disappointing to the football fans there was however no other way under the prevailing Covid-19 crisis that prescribes strict guidelines to stage matches. We look forward to a spectacular tournament next year,” Kashala said.
