Lusaka Tigers changes name to Matero Tigers

ONE of the oldest football teams in Zambia, Lusaka Tigers has been re-christened Matero Tigers to give the team a new face and lease of life.

And Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister, Miles Sampa has donated K5 million per win to Lusaka Tigers football club after the club management agreed to change the name to Matero Tigers.

Sampa, who is also Matero Member of Parliament, has also donated K1 million for every goal scored in a winning match by the Division One South club.
During a ceremony held on Wednesday at Matero Stadium in Lusaka, the Sampa said it takes money for a team to succeed in football and gave examples of African giants TP Mazembe and English Premier League club, Manchester City as one of the teams that have scored successes because of money.

And Lusaka Tigers chairman Sam Phiri said his team is in serious financial need to propel them to the MTN/FAZ Super Division next year. He said currently the club finds it difficult to travel for away games as it does not have a bus to use for transport. “We don’t have a bus and that makes our trips difficult because we have to source for funds from well-wishers for our travels,” he said.

Due to financial difficulties, Lusaka Tigers have failed to maintain Matero stadium which is currently in a deplorable state and have adopted the Independence stadium as their home ground.

And speaking to the players and officials, Sampa said it is his civic duty as the area MP to ensure that recreation facilities such as the
Matero stadium are in good state. He said now that the government has banned alcoholic drink tujilijili, there is need for more recreation centers that will act as substitutes for illicit activities.

“I shall look for partners who will help refurbish Matero stadium so that you (Lusaka Tigers) come back and start playing at your beloved
home ground and enjoy the support of you local fans,” he said.

Name change for Lusaka Tigers has been welcomed by residents who said it will make them feel part of the team. Farai Mujajati a Lusaka Tigers fan and Matero resident said it has been long overdue and he is happy that the name has been changed.

The changing of the name according to FAZ rules can only be effected after the 2013 FAZ annual general meeting (AGM).

Meanwhile, Power Dynamos skipper Joseph Sitali has expressed satisfaction with the Arthur Davies outfit’s start to their Super Division title defence.

Defending league champions Power are second on the table one point behind Zesco United after seven games played.

Power face bottom place Nakambala Leopards tomorrow in Mazabuka in a Week 8 game.

Sitali stated that unlike in the past, this season Power have started their league campaign on a good note.

“I think as league defending champions this year we have started on a good note. We have played seven games winning five,drawing one and a loss,” he said.

MTN/FAZ SUPER DIVISION WEEK 8

12/05/2012
Zesco United-Napsa Stars
Indeni-Konkola Mine Police
Zanaco- Forest Rangers
Nakambala Leopards- Power Dynamos
Roan United-Green Eagles
Green Buffaloes-Nchanga Rangers
Konkola Blades-National Assembly

13/05/2012
Nkana -Red Arrows