FIRST Republican president Kenneth Kaunda says the nation owes it to God for winning the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time.
Dr Kaunda thanked God saying without his guidance, the Chipolopolo would not have emerged victorious.
Fourth Republican president Rupiah Banda said there was no better way of honouring 1993 fallen heroes that perished in Gabon other than winning the Africa Cup in Libreville.
Mr Banda commended the splendid performance that the Zambian soccer team put up.
The two former leaders said this yesterday at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on arrival from Gabon.
“I am glad that the boys put up a splendid performance and I must say that there is no better way of honouring the 1993 heroes than winning the Africa cup on the grounds where their mentors perished,” Mr Banda said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda said the victory was phenomenal for Zambia and congratulated the team.
“We had to wait for the African Cup for a long time, the victory is God’s intervention and it is God sent. The favour of God is upon this country.
“The people of Zambia did it in politics in September 2011, when they successfully changed Government and they have done it again in sports by winning the Africa Cup,” the minister said.
He said the country should unite and succeed in achieving victory in the economic sectors and other developmental areas.
Meanwhile Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao has also joined others to congratulate the Zambia national football team.
He said the Chinese people as friends of Zambia had also joined in celebrating the victory of Zambia with Zambians.
Mr Zhou said some Chinese companies operating in Zambia showed solidarity by chartering airplanes to ferry soccer fans to Gabon to watch the finals and that the gesture was not in vain s evidenced by
the victory.
He said the Chinese Government would continue to render support in improving sports in Zambia.
At the showgrownds, vice-president Guy Scott and other senior government officials joined thousands of Zambians who had gathered to welcome the ‘Chipolopolo boys.’
Police and other security wings had a tough time to control the crowds that arrived at the venue for the welcome ceremony.
Because of the confusion that reigned by the excited fans and supporters, the Vice president and the players’ stay in the showground was cut short as they had to be whisked away.
According to a tentative program that was issued by the ministry of sports, the vice president was supposed to address the fans at the showgrounds.
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya and the team captain, Christopher Katongo were also supposed to
have spoken at the showground.
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