Zambia kicked out of African Parasport Games over unpaid fees
Zambia has been banned from taking part in the African Parasport Games because it did not pay a fee of $23,200 in 2024.
The money was meant to cover participation costs for the 2023 games, but the Zambia National Wheelchair Basketball Association (ZNWBA) is still yet to cover the said costs.
ZNWBA president David Mukwasa said the ban is a big setback for the national team.
The team has been invited to take part in the Zimbabwe Independence wheelchair games but needs 76,000 Kwacha ($3,040) to make the trip.
Mukwasa also said the team is struggling with old wheelchairs, which makes it hard to qualify for international competitions.
He said, “Our players are committed, but we are being held back by things we cannot control, like funding and equipment.”
The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) says the government will step in to help.
ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa said the matter will be taken to the right authorities. He also called on private companies and other groups to support the national team.
Despite the problems, the team is still training.
Coach Sowell Kamponje said they are working hard and are ready to defend their title in Zimbabwe. The team won the same tournament last year.
