ABSA Bank ( Barclays Bank Zambia), The sponsors of Zambia’s only Cup competition, The ABSA Cup in conjunction with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and The Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ) this morning held a financial literacy workshop for football players from Lusaka , Sourthen Province and Kabwe based clubs.
Former Zambian national team players Linos Chalwe, Andrew Tembo and Harry Milanzi shared their experiences during their playing days and life after football with the active players who were present at the event. Five Super league clubs Nkwazi, Red Arrows, Zanaco, Green Eagles and Kabwe Warriors were present at the event held at the Mulungushi International Conference centre.
Former Chipolopolo striker Harry Milanzi narrated how he found himself in trouble with the World Football governing body ,FIFA after signing a contract while having another running contract. The former Nchanga Rangers forward said he signed a contract in Spanish hence he had no idea what was in it ending up signing two contracts at the same time.
“I was one of the culprits who signed a contract i did not understand. I signed a contract in Spanish so I did not know what was in it. I went on to sign another contract while the contract I had was still running, ” He said.
ABSA Bank Zambia head of marketing and Corperate relations Mato Shimabale advised players to invest while they were still playing active football to avoid being destitutes after they retire.
‘’ Please work hard and invest while you are still active in your playing days. Today you can be star with a lot of teams chasing after your signature but tomorrow will be different. Let’s learn to manage our resources wisely because your career can end prematurely ,’’ he said.
The Footballers Allied Workers Union Zambia (FAWUZ) were represented by the general secretary Linos Chalwe who cautioned players against careless spending of their money and insteadimg playing for their life after football considering the short length of their careers.
“It’s unfortunate that in the past players were left out in key issues that affected their welfare of life after there playing career. Let’s not spend our resources carelessly because we don’t know what tomorrow brings,’’ Chalwe said
FAWUZ general secretary Linos Chalwe
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) was represented by deputy general secretary Joseph Chimpampwe who urged players to be humble and use their God given talent the right way.
ABSA are expected to hold another financial literacy training workshop for Copperbelt based clubs.