Zambia Shines at COSSASA 2024: Kamoko Applauds National Team’s Stellar Performance
Zambia’s Ministry of Education has lauded the exceptional performance of the Zambia Schools National Team at the 2024 Confederation of Schools Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Athletics and Ball Games held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The team, comprising 114 athletes, showcased remarkable talent and dedication, earning Zambia a place of pride on the regional sports stage.
Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Education Services, Joel Kamoko, expressed his admiration for the team’s achievements during a trophy presentation ceremony held in Lusaka on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The team secured three team gold medals in Under 15 Boys Football, Under 17 Girls Football, and Under 17 Boys Basketball, along with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 66 silver, and 10 bronze medals in individual categories.
“We are extremely proud of your outstanding performance during the games. You have made the country proud by lifting the Zambian flag high at the regional level,” Kamoko said.
He encouraged the young athletes to continue honing their skills while balancing their educational pursuits. “You must not be shy of your talents. Nurture what God has given you and know how to balance your talents and education. A combination of education and talent will take you before kings and queens.”
The Zambia Schools National Team participated in the COSSASA games from August 25 to 31, 2024, competing against teams from Eswatini, Lesotho, and host nation Zimbabwe.
The team was assembled from the best young athletes across the country, selected during the 2023 Inter Provincial Athletics Championships in Ndola, the Inter Provincial Ball Games in Livingstone, and the 2024 Inter School Ball Games.
Delegation Leader Feston Mtonga, who is also the Assistant Director of Standards, Assessment, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the rigorous selection process and the team’s preparation.
The athletes were camped at Hillcrest Technical Secondary School in Livingstone from August 19 to 24, 2024, where they trained intensively for the competition in Bulawayo.
“The team represented Zambia in multiple sports disciplines, including Under 15 Football Boys, Under 17 Football Boys and Girls, Under 17 Volleyball Boys and Girls, Under 17 Netball Girls, Under 17 Basketball Boys and Girls, and Under 17 Athletics Boys and Girls,” Mtonga explained.
