Sports Reporter
29 April 2004
GOVERNMENT has proposed that the commemoration of the 1993 Gabon air disaster in which 18 soccer players and their officials perished be incorporated into the Heroes and Unity holidays.
In a speech read for him by Education Minister Andrew Mulenga, Vice-President Nevers Mumba said the fallen heroes died on a tour of duty and like others, they must also be remembered annually during the Heroes and Unity holidays in July.
Dr Mumba said during the 11th anniversary of the tragedy at the Independence stadium burial site in Lusaka yesterday that Cabinet would not object to such a suggestion as the gallant players and the crew served the country tirelessly.
The vice-president said FAZ must take the lead in ensuring the 30--18 players, five Zambia Airforce (ZAF) crew, two coaches, two accompanying officials, one government officer and a journalists --were honoured for their contribution to their country.
"The deceased heroes must be remembered together with other heroes on the outlined day which is the Heroes and Unity Day. They served the country unreservedly and their contribution can not go unnoticed," he said.
He challenged FAZ to enshrine April 28 on both it's local and international soccer calendars as an important day on which activities could be lined up in memory of the team which brought joy to the country.
He also challenged FAZ to lobby the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, the world soccer governing body not to include Zambia in any activities on April 28 so that the country can organise its own activities.
The vice-president appealed to those handling the estates and compensation of the bereaved families to be transparent and accountable as oppressing widows and orphans was a sin biblically.
"Let me appeal to those charged with the administration of the estates of the departed heroes and the special fund set up for the families to be understanding, transparent and accountable," he said.
He reiterated that government's call to use the anniversary as a day of continuing with the vision that the perished team had instead of mourning as Sports Minister Gladys Nyirongo said during last year's memorial service.
The vice-president however sympathised with the families, most of whom were going through financial difficulties and urged the entire nation to include them in their prayers.
FAZ president Teddy Mulonga said the death of the players must not only be seen as a loss but also as a challenge to the soccer and sports family at large.
Mulonga said the national team must aim at winning the highest accolades as a dedication to the fallen heroes and rekindle the programmes started by the former stars.
The ceremony was attended by FAZ officials, players, members of the Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association (CSFA) and the bereaved families.
The national team players who died in the crash off the coast of Gabon are; Winter Mumba, Patrick Banda, Numba Mwila, Kenani Simambe, Godfrey Kangwa, Moses Chikwalakwala, Derby Makinka, Robert Watiyakeni and Richard Mwanza.
Others are Samuel Chomba, Wisdom Chansa, David "Efford" Chabala, Whiteson Changwe, Estone Mulenga, Timothy Mwitwa, John Soko, Moses Masuwa and Kelvin Mutale.
The team coaches were Alex Chola and Godfey 'Ucar' Chitalu while the ZAF crew comprised Corporal Tomson Sakala (steward), Warrant Officer class one Edward Nambote (fitter), Lieutenant Colonels Joseph Sachika, Victor Mubanga and Colonel Michael Mhone, pilots.
Then FAZ president Michael Mwape, team doctor Wilson Sakala, government official Nelson Zimba and Zambia News Agency (Zana) sports writer Joseph Bwalya Salim also died in the crash.
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