LUSAKA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday expressed concern over the falling football standard in the country.
The Zambian leader urged the newly-appointed Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga to turn the situation around.
President Lungu expressed concern that the country's football has been disappointing at the international level, resulting in the national soccer team failing to participate at tournaments such as the recently held Africa Cup of Nations finals.
"Zambia is a footballing nation and, as you are aware, football unites us every time our national team or indeed our clubs succeed," said the president.
The Zambian leader urged the new minister to work former soccer legends and fans to halt the declining football standard.