President Edgar Lungu says the Under 20 National team will remain heroes even after losing the Quarter final encounter against Italy in the Match played at Suwon World Cup stadium in South Korea today.

In a statement issued by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda, the Head of State commended the Junior Chipolopolo for their majestic performance exhibited at the ongoing Tournament which saw them qualify to the quarter finals after beating Germany.

Chanda stated that the President was impressed with the team’s unity.

“President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has commended the Zambia Under-20 Soccer team for putting up a gallant fight at the ongoing Under-20 FIFA World Cup in South Korea which saw them reach the quarter finals. The President says although the Junior Chipolopolo lost Monday’s (Today) quarter final encounter against Italy, played at Suwon World Cup stadium, they are still heroes because of their extraordinary enduring spirit and unity of purpose they exhibited throughout the tournament, which is a great inspiration to the entire nation,” Chanda stated.

He noted that the boys had taught the country countless lessons especially on the subject to do with unity of purpose.

“The President has said the young team has taught the entire nation a myriad of lessons and particularly the importance of rising above self and embracing unity of purpose in every aspect.
President Lungu says the Junior Chipolopolo has made the entire nation proud by putting Zambia on the World map and representing Africa very well hence the need for the entire nation to rally behind the team,” Chanda stated.

Chanda stated that the President was confident that the young Chipolopolo would turn out to be a formidable Senior National team in future.

“Well done boys. You have done us proud. There are moments like this when you have done everything to win but the fortunes just favour your opponent. I have hope that we are on course towards the creation of a formidable senior national team from this crop of young players. The genius of this young team lies in their extraordinary fighting spirit and unity of purpose. Their extraordinary enduring spirit is a great inspiration to the entire nation,”stated Chanda.

“We salute their achievements at the World Cup. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, l wish them the very best in future assignments.”