Go get the cup; It’s Don’t Kubeba all the Way!!

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has urged the national soccer team to get the prestigious 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) saying it is ‘it’s Donchi Kubeba all the way!’ And the President has called on the corporate world to motivate the Chipolopolo Boys ahead of this weekend’s final match with Ivory Coast and find ways of motivating the team.

The President has since invited the corporate world to join forces and find ways and means of motivating the team ahead of the final against the Elephants of Ivory Coast. In his message to the Chipolopolo Boys over the team’s 1-0 victory against the Black Stars of Ghana on Wednesday, President Sata the team rose to the challenge at a critical stage to eliminate one of the finest teams in Africa, whose historical stature is bigger than Zambia having won the tournament four times. “But that rich history did not cow you into submission, instead it added to your resolve to write a different chapter on African football. On behalf of all Zambians, I wish to congratulate you on this breath-taking feat. You are the pride of our beloved country,” the President said. The President has urged the team to fight for the nation in getting rid of the pain of losing their gallant colleagues, who perished off the coast Gabon in 1993, when they play Ivory Coast on Sunday. The Head of State said yesterday in a statement released by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah, urged the team to continue with their hard work, dedication and determination to the job at hand. President Sata said the quality of football the team is displaying defines the true character and spirit of the Zambian people, who always strive to be winners. “As you go into the final, I urge you to fight for the nation in getting rid of the pain of losing your gallant colleagues who perished off the coast of Gabon in 1993. Continue with your hard work, dedication and determination to the job at hand. You stand at a very emotional point with your eyes firmly fixed on the title. And the nation believes in your collective ability and shares your desires and aspirations. Go for it, it’s Donchi Kubeba all the way!” the President said. “I am cognisant of the fact that this is the first time in 18 years that we are reaching the final and only the third in the history of the tournament. We lost 1-2 to Nigeria in 1994 and 0-2 in the twice played final of 1974 against Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), when Zambia competed for the first time.” It is first time the two teams are meeting at this stage of the tournament. Zambia beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 1994 edition; two years after the West Africans had won their first and only title. Zambia faces Ivory Coast on Sunday in the final of 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON at 21:00 hours Zambian time.