NOCZ Applauds Zambia Athletics for Tapping Olympians to drive Sport Development
According to Alfred Foloko, president of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), the leadership roles that Olympians Sydney Siame and Matete have been appointed to by Zambia Athletics will be crucial in fostering new talent and enhancing the sport’s potential in Zambia.
Zambia Athletics (ZA) has appointed Olympian Sydney Siame as the athletes’ chairperson, while Samuel Matete was appointed as the national team coach and Director National competitions, Athletes and Facility Development.
In a formal letter of congratulations sent to ZA president Major Bernard Bwalya and his executive committee, NOCZ president Alfred Foloko described the move as both timely and visionary, noting that bringing elite athletes into the fold of sports governance sets a strong precedent for athlete-centred development.
“I wish to commend the proactive and visionary steps you have already undertaken in the early days of your leadership, particularly the integration of distinguished Olympians such as Samuel Matete and Sydney Siame into the association’s structures,” Foloko wrote. “Their experience will be instrumental in inspiring emerging talent and strengthening the overall capacity of Zambia Athletics.”
Foloko also congratulated Major Bwalya on being elected as the President of Zambia Athletics, stating that it shows the athletics community’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the sport.
“On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you and all the newly elected members of your Executive Committee,” he said. “We are confident that, under your leadership, Zambia Athletics will continue to grow and reach new heights.”
He also emphasized the strong partnership between NOCZ and Zambia Athletics, highlighting the significance of working together to enhance Zambia’s sports reputation regionally and globally.
