President Edgar Lungu says he is impressed with the performance of Zambia Soccer referee Janny Sikazwe at the on-going 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

President Lungu said Sikazwe has represented Zambia well by his exceptional refereeing standard and hoped he continues with his fine performance.

President Lungu was speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) shortly before his departure for Turkey.

The President urged Zambians to emulate Sikazwe and desist from the “pull him down” syndrome.

“He’s doing a great job, we saw him yesterday, we wish him good things to come” said President Lungu, and added “Don’t pull him down, people should get inspired by his work”.

The President said Sikazwe’s performance can help trigger and enhancement the development of other sectors related to soccer and refereeing.

Janny Sikazwe is one of the two African Soccer Referees to have made the second phase of 17 referees following FIFA’s decision to trim the numbers after the 2018 world cup edition entered the knockout stages.

Read this article from the original source: Ref Janny Sikazwe Impresses President Lungu.

Top referee Janny Sikazwe has thanked Zambians for the support during the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he was one of the match officials.

And FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said Sikazwe had made the country proud with his level of distinction in the game.
Meanwhile Referees Manager Welly Chikuka said Sikazwe top level experience would be put to good use in the game.
Sikazwe got a rousing reception on his return from the FIFA World Cup where he participated up to the quarterfinals.

He became the first Zambian to officiate at the FIFA World Cup having been involved in four matches including two as centre referee.

Sikazwe was at the centre of the Belgium versus Panama match and also the tie involving Japan and Colombia.
In a rare interaction with the media and the public, Sikazwe said the support from his countrymen whilst he was in Russia had spurred him to work hard.

“I am humbled, I did not expect to see a lot of people like this, I will tell you that we are used with my fellow referees that when we come here it is just a matter of going to our cars and go home without any reception,” he said.
“But to have this group here, I am speechless, the only thing that I have to say is thank you so much. The time I was in Moscow I was receiving messages from people here. It had never happened ever before. Even before I left for the World Cup I could see how people could encourage me to keep focussed and do it for Zambia.”

Sikazwe who is a teacher by profession said despite having been at other high level competitions, the World Cup had proved the apex.

“The experience that I had at the World Cup was so fantastic, remarkable. I had a different situation altogether, I had been to different tournaments but the World Cup was different,” he said.
“I am telling you my fellow referees, we really need to work hard. Otherwise I met different people, cultures. The way people react here (to decisions by referees) in Zambia, the way footballers react is totally different.”

He said that he was not disappointed at bowing out at the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.

“I am not disappointed and no one can change the destiny. God just said that this is your destiny. I am back home but I happy I reached where I reached,” Sikazwe said.

He also said that having been the first referee in the World to use the VAR technology in a high level game when he officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2016 he had confidence the technology would improve the quality of decisions by referees.

The VAR was first used on a trial basis at the FIFA Club World Cup where Sikazwe officiated the opening and also the final that pitted Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers.

“It was not the first time to use VAR. I am proud to mention to the nation that I was the first one in the whole World to use that technology at the highest level that was in Japan during the Club World Cup where I did the opening game,” he said.

Sikazwe also said he had used the disappointment of missing out at the 2014 FIFA World Cup by staying focused and got an appointment for the 2018 games.

“It is all about hard work, set a goal and work toward it. I had a goal to go to the World Cup, I was supposed to go in 2014 but I did not make it. But this time around I was picked and I know God’s time is the best,” he said.
And Kashala said Sikazwe had made the country proud with his performance.

“We were very proud as we watched from our television sets one of our own fly the Zambian flag at the biggest sporting event in the world,” he said.

“Mr Sikazwe’s presence at the FIFA World Cup can be viewed as some small compensation for Zambia not qualifying for the event in Russia. We hope that his example will inspire many young people not only in sports but in any other endevours of life.”

And Chikuka said Sikazwe’s success would inspire aspiring whislemen to work harder.
“Janny we are very proud of you having been the first Zambian to reach this far. I was a referee myself, I never went to the World Cup. We had our colleagues who were high profile referees, they never went to the World Cup but our young man has done it,” Chikuka said.

“We are proud of you, you are our ambassador, and we will make use of your experience. Even the young referees we have in this country will be able to take a leaf from you and excel further.”

FAZ, soccer fans and the Ministry of General Education where Sikazwe serves organized a loud reception at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Read this article from the original source: Janny Thanks Zambians For World Cup Support, FAZ Stage Reception For World Cup Ref.

By Punch Chama

The Friday night match between Zesco United and Nkana fc which lit the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium yesterday ended in the worst possible way as the match was abandoned in injury time after Nkana Fc were awarded a penalty with the scores tied at 1-1.

It was a match which many looked forward to and despite the late change of dates a number of fans turned up for the match while many watched live on Supersport on a day that saw Nkana Fc give it’s Kenyan International defender Musa Muhammed his debut.

The football did not disappoint and was played at a frantic pace with Nkana fc striker Ronald ” Sate Sate” Kampamba scoring the first goal late in the first half before Zesco equalised in the 64th minute through Lazarous Kambole.

Trouble began after the 80th minute mark as Nkana fans threw missiles onto the pitch before the match resumed after 7 minutes which saw Nkana FC awarded a late penalty when Zesco United defender Marcel Kalonda handled the ball after an aerial tussle with Nkana Fc striker I Idriss Mbombo and it is at this point where mayhem broke out as Zesco United fans also began throwing missiles onto the pitch.

The match was eventually abandoned and was to have been called a classic game of football has left many with a bitter taste and now the Football Association of Zambia will have to direct what will take place after last nights horror show.

Read this article from the original source: Friday The 13th Night Football Ends Horribly In Ndola.

Burundi U20 national team coach Bipfubusa Joslin is confident of overturning the one defeat his team suffered at the hands of the Junior Chipolopolo and be able to qualify to the 2019 Niger U20 AFCON tournament.
Joslin believes that if Zambia can score a goal and win at home his team equally score more goals and win at home.

” A football game is played over ninety minutes and Zambia was able to score one goal and win here we can also be able to score one two or three goals at home, ” He said

Joslin also claimed the pitch contributed to his team’s loss as it was not good enough for his team to play their game.

” The pitch was not good for us and it was very difficult for my players to play their game but Zambia were the better side today, ” He said.

Burundi will host Zambia on 21st July in Ngozi for the return leg with the winner over two legs set to book a place at the 2019 Niger U20 AFCON tournament.

SOURCE

Read this article from the original source: Burundi U20 Coach Confident Of Eliminating Zambia U20 In Second Leg.

It’s a big one for Fathi and Napsa Stars even when they are still rooted in the relegation zone, this win will feel like its the start of great things to come.

They have beaten Forest Rangers 1-0 condemning the Ndola outfit to its fifth loss in a row.

Green Buffaloes took advantage of the abandoned ZESCO United game against Nkana to close the gap to five as they beat Nchanga Rangers 1-0 at Edwin Imboela Stadium.

There were no goals in Kabwe as Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy hosted Nkwazi and the point for Kysa enough to leapfrog Nchanga Rangers who lost to GBFC.

Zanaco go third after beating Buildcon 2-0 at Sunset Stadium giving Buildcon a bad result that see them remain ninth.

Summary of Results after week 24

Napsa Stars 1-0 Forest Rangers

Zanaco 2-0 Buildcon

Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy 0-0 Nkwazi

Kitwe United 0-1 Red Arrows

New Monze Swallows 1-1 Lusaka Dynamos

Kabwe Warriors 2-2 Green Eagles

Nakambala Leopards 0-1 Power Dynamos

Green Buffaloes 1-0 Nchanga Rangers

Lumwana Radiants 1-2 National Assembly

Read this article from the original source: Fathi Gives NAPSA a Second Win Of The Season.

Government has condemned the unruly behavior exhibited by Nkana and Zesco soccer fans during the week 24 fixture played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo says government will not allow any form of hooliganism to dent the image of the country as a beacon of peace.

Mr. Kampyongo disclosed to ZANIS in Lusaka that he has since instructed the commissioner of Police on the Copperbelt to summon both managers from the two clubs.

He urged FAZ to work with the law enforcement officers under his ministry to insure that perpetrators of this vice are brought to book.

He said soccer is a unifying sport and wondered why soccer fans resorted to indulge in behavior that doesn’t promote the spirit of fair play.

Read this article from the original source: Now Home Affairs Minister Summons Nkana, ZESCO Over Fans Unruly Behaviour.

Young Chipolopolo pitch in Rwanda ahead of big Burundi battle.

Zambia lead 1-0 through a Lameck Banda 87th minute strike at Nkoloma Stadium last Saturday.

The technical bench led by Charles Chisala Bwale, Perry Mutapa, Kakonje Kalililo and manager Mwansa Kapyanga are confident of qualifying to the 2019 Niger Africa Cup Under-20 finals.

The team is accomodated at the Mirror Hotel in Kigali awaiting a flight to Burundi at 16h00 local time.

Read this article from the original source: Zambia U20 Sit Down To Breakfast In Kigali.

WITH league leaders Zesco United not in action until tomorrow, second-placed Green Buffaloes will aim to narrow the gap to just two points with a win over Green Eagles at Independence Stadium in Choma today.

But it will not be a stroll in the park for Buffaloes; not many teams go to Independence Stadium in Choma and come back joyful.
Eagles have turned Independence Stadium into a fortress such that in 12 games, they have lost only twice and drawn one.

Read this article from the original source: Green Eagles Itch For Buffaloes.

Power Dynamos interim coach Fordson Kabole wants to stay at Arthur Davies ahead of next season so that he can help the club become title contenders.

Veteran trainer Kabole last month bounced back at Power to replace dismissed Kelvin Kaindu.

The former Nchanga Rangers and Roan United coach said he wants to turn Power into title contenders.

Power finished sixth in Stream B of the 2019 transitional FAZ Super Division season with 24 points from 18 matches played.

“My stay depends on club administrators. It is up to them to decide if I should continue,” Kabole said.

“But I would like to continue and leave the club on a good note, on a high note. Just like the previous time I left the team up there,” he said.

Kabole won the Super Division title with Power in 2011 before leaving the club the season that followed after flopping in the CAF Champions League.

The Power executive recently hinted that Kabole may have a role at the club next season.

Lusaka Times

Read this article from the original source: ‘Bobby Moore’ Kabole Promises To Turn Power Dynamos Into Title Contenders If Given Permanent Job.

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga says the association is concentrating on qualifying the Chipolopolo to the 2021 AFCON and 2022 World Cup tournaments.

Speaking during an Absa sports journalists workshop, Kamanga said football was not about him but the players.

“Let us understand that my role as the president is not to be the person at the top of football because football is about players. I keep on saying that we need to demystify this perception that Andrew Kamanga sits alone, he does everything alone, there is a committee that sits and our role as the executive is to purely like a board; we are there to provide policy direction,” Kamanga said.

He charged that his administration was preparing the national team to take part in the next Africa and World Cup finals.

“We may have failed to go to the Africa Cup which is a common cry but we are taking steps to ensure that we rebuild and reposition ourselves where we can comfortably go and compete in the 2021 AFCON, participate in the 2022 World Cup, but to do that, we need to start planning and preparing today. These are the things we have been focusing on,” Kamanga said.

Kamanga further charged that there was bad publicity around the issue of the proposed Chipolopolo bonds.

“We have been talking about making FAZ financially independent, which is one of our key targets and we are trying to do that through the introduction of the Chipolopolo bond but there has been so much negativity around your reporting. I don’t know how many of you have taken interest to find out how this process is going to work because it is key to ensure that FAZ starts achieving it’s financial independence,” said Kamanga.

Barclays Bank which will start trading as Absa next year organised a one day workshop for sports reporters ahead of the inaugural Absa Cup which kicks off on June 8, 2019.

Read this article from the original source: Kamanga: Football Isn’t About Me, Its About the Players.

Lionel Messi has been named as the world’s highest-paid athlete – edging out long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo .

Barcelona and Argentina superstar Messi has earned a staggering £99.8m in the past year, according to Forbes.

That takes him ahead of Ronaldo, who is in second on £85.6m, and former Barca teammate Neymar as footballers make up the top three.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is the best-paid Premier League star, earning £25.9m, while Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Mohamed Salah make the top 100.

The athletes’ earnings are calculated by adding up their prize moneu, salaries and endorsements between June 2018 and 2019.

Canelo Alvarez and Roger Federer complete the top five ahead of NFL stars Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.

The remaining spots in the top 10 go to LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant of the NBA.

Lewis Hamilton and Anthony Joshua are the highest-paid British sports stars, sharing 13th spot on £43.2m.

Read this article from the original source: Lionel Messi Named As World’s Highest-Paid Sports Star.

2019 Namibia Region 5 Karate Championship bronze medalist Ian Shamabanse says there is need for the Zambian athletes preparing for the UFAK games to work extra hard.

Speaking to Diamond sports in an interview, Shamabanse adds that there will also be need to have more athletes at the games than the four who went to Namibia.

He says this is to boost morale among the athletes as well as broaden the chances of minting gold.

At the Region 5 Karate Championship in Namibia Zambia came back with a gold and eight bronze medals.

Shamabanse is among the athletes preparing for the next assignment which will be held in Botswana next month.

Read this article from the original source: Karateka Urges Adequate Preparation Ahead Of UFAK Games.

The Zambian government is happy with the winning strategy that the Football Association of Zambia executive is displaying as evidenced by the 2019 COSAFA win.
“On behalf of President Lungu, indeed on my own behalf and that of the Zambian people, especially the football loving Zambians – we are very proud of this achievement. It has come at a time, when all of us were losing hope, that maybe football in Zambia is dwindling. Now we are seeing that truly your executive has put up plans which are meant not only to win the game today, but win games as we go forward,” Minister of Sports, Youth and Child Development said.
Honourable Mosese Mawere said he was happy to recieve the COSAFA trophy on behalf of the FAZ patron, President Edgar Lungu and the Zambian government.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2019 COSAFA Cup to government, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga outlined the strategy being implemented to secure more titles for the national teams.
“The national team participated in the COSAFA Senior Men’s tournament in Durban – joining at the quarter-final stage. We are very happy that, despite failing to qualify for the 2019 AFCON, we have been able to make preparations to ensure Zambia not only participates but wins in the next edition of the 2021 Africa Cup, as well as the 2020 CHAN and indeed the 2022 World Cup.”
“In that regard, we are on course in our preparations. For COSAFA in particular, we have been in the finals three times in the last three years – twice we have lost to Zimbabwe in the final but this time around we beat Zimbabwe in the semi-final and managed to beat Botswana in the final.”
“I must also report that we have a team in Morocco, playing a number of friendlies – we played Cameroon in Spain and then on the 16th we are plating Morocco in Marrakech and on the 19th the team go to Abu Dhabi to play against Ivory Coast. We may not be participating in the Africa Cup but we have kept the team active,” Kamanga said.
The FAZ President also informed the Minister that progress was being made to recruit a head coach for the senior national team.
In his remarks, Mr Mawere said President Lungu and the government were excited by the COSAFA win and the development agenda of the FAZ executive.
“As government and the people of Zambia, we are very expectant of the FAZ executive to achieve a lot of milestones – in terms of football.
“Zambia is a footballing nation, you can’t take that away from us. We love football as Zambians and if sports, football, is not doing well – we get sick as a country and become unproductive – so please help us by performing to the expectations of the Zambians.
“So we expect that this win, of COSAFA, should be a light at the end of the tunnel for us.”
The Minister said he expects Zambia to qualify for CHAN, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the World Cup because the country has enough football talent.
“I must say that I am happy with the programmes that FAZ has put up; where you are now going into the districts to tap talent and provide programmes aimed at promoting football in schools and also in communities.
“Please continue, as that is the route we need. I can ssure you that, this route will rekindle Football in Zambia, because we need a lot of competitions at community level and at school level.”
The Minister said that the expectation was that even people in rural areas would be able to access football development.
Stand-in national team coach Aggrey Chiyangi thanked the government for the support given to the national team and that it had motivated the win and the team were committed to lifting more trophies.
The FAZ delegation to the minister’s office was led by FAZ President Andrew Kamanga accompanied by FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala, National Team Manager Desmond Mngawa, National Team Coach Aggrey Chiyangi, Team vice captain Bruce Musakanya and the 2019 COSAFA Goalkeeper tournament winner Sebastian Mwange.

Read this article from the original source: Govt Happy With FAZ ‘Winning Strategy’.

Venue: Sanlam Head Office, Zenera Office Park,Corner of Lubuto and Lagos Roads, Rhodes park, P. O. Box, 31991, Lusaka Zambia. ________________________________________________________________
Press Release – Immediate Release
Wednesday 19th June 2019
________________________________________________________________
SANLAM SPONSORS 3 TOP WINNERS IN THREE CATEGORIES THE 21st ZAMBIA AMATEUR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION (ZAAA) TO ATTEND THE SEPTEMBER 2019 CAPE TOWN MARATHON IN SOUTH AFRICA

The ZAAA 2019 Intercompany Relay (ICR) themed 21st ICR“The Key to a New Lifestyle, Walk and Run’’ will take place on Saturday June 22nd 2019 at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka from 08.00Hrs to 14:00Hrs.
The growing response and participation folIows a call by H.E The President Of The Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Lungu for all Zambia citizens to take up physical exercise in order to prevent non communicable diseases.

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Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia has responded by partnering with ZAAA for the 21st Intercompany relay to sponsor the 3 top winners in three different categories namely: 1.100m Chief Executive Officers CEO’s race. 2. The 5km Health Walk Road race and 3. the High Performance for this year’s event. The winners will be fully sponsored with an all-expenses paid trip to attend the September 2019 Cape Town marathon in South Africa. (The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s only IAAF Gold label status marathon. It is managed by a partnership between WPA, the City of Cape Town and ASEM Running and is endorsed by two of South Africa’s sporting greats, Elana Meyer and Francois Pienaar. https://www.capetownmarathon.com/.

Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tontela Siwale endorsed this initiative saying, ”Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia believes that a healthy society brings development that improves the economy. We are therefore more than delighted to be keys drivers of the Zambian economy through health and wellbeing.’’

Ends//
Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia, established in November 2002 under the franchise name of African Life Assurance Zambia, is the leading life insurance company in Zambia with a market share of 35%. Sanlam focuses on individual life insurance, group life cover, retirement solutions, medical health insurance and bancassurance. Supported by highly rated reinsurers that complement our ability to underwrite world-class cover, we strive to build reliable and secure relationships through first class underwriting, risk advisory service and efficient settlement of claims. https://www.sanlam.com/zambia
For further information contact:
Mr. Tontela Siwale – Acting Chief Executive Officer – Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia
Mr. Godfrey Tenesi – General Manager – Individual Life – Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia

Contact Numbers: Mr. Siwale : +260 9 66 234 80 5
Mr. Tenesi : +260 966 118 384, Skype godfrey.tenesi, T   +260 211 257713-15, F   +260 211 257711

Read this article from the original source: Sanlem Sponsors ZAAA.

Dear Great Kalu,

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

Well, I write this letter to apologize for wanting you out as FAZ president and celebrating your election loss to incumbent president, Andrew Kamanga.

This comes after considering the happenings in our country, Zambia where Football is concerned. While you had decent coaches in Herve Renard, Dario Bonnetti and Patrice Beaumelle that led us to three Afcon appearances and a Trophy, your rival Andrew Kamanga and his group have given us Wada, Lwandamina, Chambeshi, Sven Vanderbroeck and now Chiyangi.

Under your leadership we appeared in all the Afcon editions; 2000, 2012, 2013 & 2015. In all these we were pitted against strong teams during the qualifiers and had to make the cut of 16 team needed at the tournament, sadly since Kamanga took over we have missed both Afcons; 2017 and 2019, we were even bottom in the last qualifiers in a group consisting Namibia, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau winning only one game. To add salt to injury, the number of teams was increased to 24 from the previous 16 but still we couldn’t make it, I even think we can’t make it in our current state even if the number of teams is increased to 52.

Last but not the least, at the Afcon editions we appeared under your leadership, there we credible teams participating with us but not now. We failed to qualify yes and are merely watching other teams but guess who has made appearances ahead of us; Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Madagascar, Tanzania, Burundi, Benin and Mauritania.

Pride aside, I reservedly apologize and ask for your forgiveness. If it sits well with you run for presidency next election so that you restore us to glory days and have our team participating again.

Yours sincerely.

Mbanga, Irvine Ilukui.
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
United States of America.

Read this article from the original source: ‘An Apology Letter to Great Kalu’.

Former Zambia National Soccer team captain Dickson Makwaza has died at the age of 76.

The former KK 11 skipper past away this morning at Ndola Teaching Hospital where he was admitted following an illness.

Makwaza who captained Zambia at the 1974 Africa Cup where they finished in second place, was the father to former national team player Linos Makwaza snr and grandfather to Power Dynamos midfielder Linos Makwaza jr.

The former Mighty Mufulira Wanderers player and coach won five national league titles during his playing days and was nicknamed Barbed Wire due to his power defence.

The funeral is in Luanshya at house number 50 in Ghana Circle residential area.

DICKSON MAKWAZA
From 5th July 1942 to 29th June 2019

Read this article from the original source: Former Zambia Captain Dickson Makwaza Dies Aged 76.

Press Statement
(For Immediate Release)
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka
4th July, 2019

Read this article from the original source: Faz Secures Additional $15, 000 For Chipolopolo Coach Recruitment.

The Football Association of Zambia -FAZ- has set July 31st as the date for the FAZ/MTN Transitional Super League awards to be held in Lusaka.

FAZ /MTN Awards Committee Chairperson Rix Mweemba says the awards will be held to recognise and honour players, match officials and a coach during the transitional league.

Mweemba who is also FAZ Vice president says 10 categories will be contested during the ceremony and has thanked the clubs for ensuring that the league was a success.

He says the Association is happy with the level of competitiveness among the players.

And FAZ Awards Committee Member Matimba Nkonje said candidates and prizes for various categories will be unveiled on the day of the awards.

Nkonje announced that the transitional league top scorer award will be contested by Austin Muwowo who recently signed with Orlando Pirates, Napsa’s Laudit Mavugo and Zikuru Adams of Forest Rangers who were joint top scorers on 10 goals.

MultiChoice Zambia Corporate Affairs Manager Mwika Malindima said the firm will continue partnering with FAZ in talent identification by televising Zambian football on its various platforms

And MTN Zambia Events Manager Mwamba Siame said the mobile network service provider has introduced the FANs player of the year award category.

Mrs. Mwamba said players Austin Muwowo, Lazarus Kambole and Bruce Musakanya have been nominated for the award.

Read this article from the original source: Super League Awards Set For July 31.

Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa has announced plans to name one of the streets in Lusaka after Zambia’s celebrated soccer icon Kalusha Bwalya.

The Lusaka City Father has also indicated plans to erect Kalusha Bwalya’s statue at one of the roundabouts in Lusaka.

The plans according to the Mayor are expected to be actualized in the next three months.

“… Lets celebrate Kalu while he is alive. On my part as Lusaka Mayor, I will name a road as Kalusha Bwalya next 3 months. I will also put his monument at one of the Roundabouts in Lusaka before year end,” Mayor Sampa writes.

Read this article from the original source: Lusaka Mayor Ponders Naming Street After Kalusha Bwalya.

The Former Zambian National Team Footballer JACOB MULENGA has built a church for UCZ. The church is located at Kalilonge village in Lufwanyama District of the Copperbelt Province. T

Read this article from the original source: Photos: Former Zambian National Team Footballer Builds A Church In Lufwanyama.