Samukonga, National Sports Council tango over unpaid allowances

In what has become a recurring issue among Zambian athletes, Muzala Samukonga recently took to social media to allege that the government had failed to pay him promised allowances.

Samukonga claimed that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts did not fulfill its commitments to provide allowances and bonuses to athletes.

His complaint was echoed by Copper Queens striker, Racheal Kundananji, who, in a Facebook post, stated that athletes’ families “cannot feed on the mere promises of government.”

Responding to these claims, the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) refuted the allegations.

NSCZ General-Secretary, Sambwa Musunsa, expressed disappointment with Samukonga’s accusations, stating that the athlete had received over K190,000 in allowances for his international participation.

“Contrary to the claims, Muzala’s daily allowances have been paid for major international events, including the recent Paris Olympic Games.

The breakdown of payments includes K15,120 for the 2022 African Championships in Mauritius, K12,180 for travel to the USA in 2022, K23,040 for the Commonwealth Games, K80,000 as a winning bonus for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, K30,802 for the 2023 African Games in Ghana, and K53,480 for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Musunsa detailed.

He also revealed that the sprinter was paid K173,850 for medical bills after an injury in 2023.

However, Musunsa clarified that some payments, specifically for medals won at certain competitions, were still outstanding.

“We are aware of the pending payments and are committed to settling them before the end of the year. The Ministry has engaged the Ministry of Finance to facilitate these payments,” Musunsa added.

He advised the bronze medalist to acknowledge the government’s support, noting that Samukonga is employed with the Zambia National Service (ZNS), where he receives a monthly salary and other benefits.

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