KALU TOASTS KK AT 96

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes FORMER National Soccer Team member and KK11 captain, Kalusha Bwalya has paid tribute to first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda on the occasion marking his 96th birthday. Kalusha, who captained the national soccer team from the late 1980’s up until the late 90’s, described the first Republican President as a source of motivation to the team that was nicknamed after him. Kalusha said that each time the former President stepped out to support the team at the Independence stadium was motivating and inspired the players to work hard. KALUSHA 1988KALUSHA “For His Excellency (H.E.) KK to come on the pitch, each time we played and during the years before me – was very motivating to the team. KK would come to the centre before a match and the referee would give him a ball, as it was tradition for H.E. to kick a ball before a game and hit it left right. I think it used to motivate us, as football players and everyone around,” Kalusha said. KK Super 11“We want to wish you well on the momentous occasion marking your birthday, I remember very well, at lndependence Stadium, teams would come out motivated. Teams before me and during my days, it was always a motivating factor for the President (KK) to come out and support us.” “There is always one thing that President Kaunda taught us during the KK 11 playing days, that in dignity and honour never say die, never say never and that’s the spirit he inculcated in us.” And Kalusha said that winning the 2012 Africa Cup of Nation (AfCON) in the presence of the former President and Patron was a joyous moment. “I was privileged in 2012 to be in Gabon when the Christopher Katongo 11 brought home the trophy on behalf of Zambia. His Excellency KK got his hands on the elusive trophy after many attempts and after having developed many teams and players,” Kalusha said. President Kaunda was a key figure in the National Soccer Team during his rule from 1964-1991 with the team fondly known as KK11 before transforming to Chipolopolo in the mid-1990’s. The Sun