UNZA athletes press on with CUCSA preparations despite facility challenges

LUSAKA – Athletes from the University of Zambia (UNZA) are reportedly intensifying their training regimens in anticipation of the prestigious Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations (CUCSA) Games, slated to be held in Botswana. This unwavering dedication comes despite considerable hurdles, primarily the closure of essential training facilities on campus, a situation that has forced the athletes and their coaches to seek alternative, often suboptimal, arrangements. The CUCSA Games represent a critical platform for university-level athletes across Southern Africa to showcase their talents and foster regional camaraderie. For Zambian universities, participation is not merely about competition but also about national pride and the development of future sporting talent. However, the current predicament at UNZA underscores a broader challenge faced by many public institutions in Zambia, where maintenance and upgrading of sports infrastructure often lag behind academic priorities. Sources within the university's sports department indicate that while the main athletics track and other facilities remain inaccessible, coaches have devised creative solutions, including utilising off-campus municipal grounds and even makeshift spaces within the university's periphery. This adaptability, though commendable, places an additional burden on both the athletes and the university's limited resources, impacting the quality and consistency of their preparation. The closure of facilities, often attributed to ongoing renovations or lack of funding for upkeep, is a recurring theme that hinders consistent athletic development. For the athletes, many of whom balance rigorous academic schedules with demanding training, the situation presents a test of resilience. Their commitment to representing UNZA and, by extension, Zambia, on an international stage remains undimmed. The CUCSA Games offer a vital opportunity for these young men and women to gain exposure, potentiall