It is strange, but also amazing to see NAPSA Stars Football Club taking part in the ABSA Cup competition under Eden National Division One League.
I say this because our first time ever taking part in this prestigious competition was in 2012, when we won promotion to the MTN Zambian Super League and went ahead to bag the trophy which was then called the Barclays Cup.
Since that time, we had done our best to stay in the top division until last season when we got demoted. To see the team taking part in the cup competition again but under Division One league gives us hope that we are closer to getting the team back to where it belongs – in the Super League.
It has not been an easy ride for us so far, but I am positive that we are a step in the right direction, especially that we are taking part in this only cup competition after finishing second when we concluded the first round of the league campaign.
I am urging the boys to die a little and fight for this cup because I believe it will give us morale booster going forward. We targeted qualification, we got it, and now we need to fight for the trophy.
We are in the second round of the league competition and it is the hardest part for any team, but with competitions like ABSA, any team would want to fight to win to boost their zeal in the league.
I believe we can rekindle our experience of 10 years ago and emerge victorious. This will also give both our sponsors and supporters great joy and continued belief in the team.
I also want to thank ABSA Bank for their continued involvement in sports, particularly football. Their sponsorship has increased this year and this is a good motivation to the clubs.
I am wishing our boys all the best this weekend as they take on Zambia Army side Green Buffaloes at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe. My Board and I believe in each and every one of them and their capabilities. Let us make our sponsors proud.
Lastly, I call on our valued fans and other stakeholders to continue rallying behind the team even as we begin our ABSA journey this Sunday.
John Chundu
Board Chairman