FELIX KATONGO LAUNCHES MANAGEMENT AGENCY STAM

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes@SunZambianAFCON Champion and former Zambia National Soccer Team player Felix Katongo has launched a soccer management organization called Star Anchor Management (STAM) to scout, train, mentor and offer scholarships to young people.Speaking at the official media launch held at Mika Hotel in Kabulonga on Saturday December 12th, Katongo said he came up with this initia-tive in order to give back to the community and also help vulnerable but talented children to get successful soccer careers.“My mission is to give back to the community because of the overwhelming support and love that I have experienced from Zambians,” he said.“I am creating a youth-sport programme to scout, train, mentor and offer scholarships to young people by prioritising the talented in rural and urban areas. This is also aimed at increasing both sport participation rates and health development in different places targeting the youth.”And STAM media director Katala Lupunga said Felix’s vision is to create a community where vulnerable and underprivileged young boys and girls have access to structured and organised sports programmes which promote psycho-social development, life skills training as well as basic exercise in a fun and safe environment.She said the project will kick off in Southern Province where Katongo is set to build an academy on a 20 acre-land.“STAM Management is a private, non-profit, youth sports program serving children, ages 6-14, in rural areas. The focus of the program is to promote youth sport participation, promote healthy development in youth, and increase youth access to health care and education. We will be looking forward to working with various partners and organisations to realise Felix’s dream,” said Katala.