November 24 – The sub-regional confederation for Southern African FA’s (COSAFA) has signed Mopani Copper Mines as the title sponsor of the 2017 COSAFA U-20 Championships to be played in Zambia from December 6-16.
The regional championship is seen as a crucial development stage for COSAFA teams. Current champions Zambia used last year’s tournament as a platform towards their strong performance at the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.
Zambia are the most successful nation in the history of the COSAFA U-20 Championships with 11 wins. Zimbabwe are the second most successful nation with six wins.
Mopani Copper Mines have long been a supporter of Zambian football sponsoring two clubs in the Zambia Super Division League, Nkana FC and Mufulira Wanderers FC. Nkana FC’s home ground at Nkana Stadium will host matches during the U-20 Championships.
“As title sponsors, we believe this tournament will be successful and will inspire football players, especially the youth, to aim higher in life. It will also contribute to sport development in our country,” said Mopani Copper Mines Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chris Vermeulen.
“The future of the sport lies in the youth, hence our decision to partner with COSAFA in sponsoring this year’s tournament.”
Timothy Shongwe, Chairman of COSAFA’s Competitions Committee, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mopani Copper Mines as headline sponsors of the 2017 COSAFA Under-20 Championships and thank them for their valuable input into the development of youth football in the Southern African region.
“This Under-20 championship has been the launchpad for many successful careers for players from across the region and we are sure that a number of new gems will be unearthed this year as well.”
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