Luambe Conservation Cup in the greater Luambe Area 2024
Time Frame: June – July 2024
Partners: Chitungulu Community Resource Board, IFAW, Chitungulu Foundation, Chief Chitungulu
Geographical Range: Chitungulu and Mwanya Chiefdom, Lumimba Game Management Area. Nabwalya Chiefdom, Munyamadzi Game Management Area
Project Lead: Tom Riffel, Felix Zulu
Objectives:
- Use football as a platform for conservation messaging.
- Build trust between the conservation sector and the local communities surrounding Luambe National Park.
- Support unity between the three involved Chiefdoms.
- Support gender-equality in communities of the greater Luambe landscape
In 2023, Nsanga Conservation Zambia launched their first conservation tournament, a pioneering effort to intertwine the popularity of football with the objectives of wildlife preservation. A year later, in 2024, Nsanga doubled its impact by organizing both a men’s and women’s tournament.
In each chiefdom, six women’s teams and six men’s teams signed up to compete in the Luambe Conservation Cup. Altogether, 36 teams, comprising nearly 800 players and coaches, took part in the tournament. After weeks of community-based group stage matches, the top two teams from each chiefdom, both women’s and men’s, advanced to Chitungulu for the grand finals.
The knock-out phases in chitungulu officially began with the quarter-finals for both the men’s and women’s divisions. The days were marked by intense matches as 16 mens’ teams and 16 womens’ teams from Nabwalya, Mwanya, and Chitungulu competed passionately for a chance to advance further in the tournament. Each match showcased the skill and determination of the players, setting the stage for the exciting matches that followed in the subsequent days.
The Luambe Conservation Football Tournament commenced with vibrant activities aimed at blending sportsmanship with conservation education. Therefore, the Conservation Friday began with the challenging Wildlife Football Tournament Quiz, engaging all of the 16 men teams and 16 girls’ teams. This quiz comprised 25 multiple-choice questions focused on local wildlife and conservation practices. The Yakhobe Girls emerged victorious after a tie-breaking session with the Yakhobe Boys, showcasing their knowledge and dedication to conservation.
A photo of the Wildlife Quiz on „Conservation Friday“ during the Luambe Conservation Cup.
Following the quiz, students from the Nthumbe Primary School, Chocha Primary School, and Chitungu Basic School participated in a creative painting activity at the local community market in Chitungulu. Their artwork depicted various wildlife species, accompanied by inspiring conservation messages, which highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship.
A freshly painted market place by various pupils from „Conservation Friday“ during the Luambe Conservation Cup.
In the men’s football tournament, the Mwanya and Chitungulu Boys’ teams advanced to the final after thrilling matches. The Mwanya Boys secured their spot in the final with a penalty shootout victory over the Nabwalya Boys, while the Chitungulu Boys also advanced after penalties against the Kapangula Boys. The day concluded with the eagerly anticipated final match between the Nabwalya and Chitungulu Boys.
In the women’s tournament, both the Nabwalya and Mwanya Girls demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, advancing to the finals with spirited performances.
The Big Finals
In a cultural showcase, three local schools—Nthumbe Primary School, Chocha Primary School, and Chitungu Basic School—presented four poignant poems centred around conservation themes during the final games.
The women’s final took place between the teams from Mwanya and Nabwalya and ended in a 2-0 victory for the Mwanya Girls.
For the men’s finals, Chitungulu competed against Nabwalya. Ultimately the Nabwalya Boys emerged victorious with a 2-1 score.
The tournament concluded with a dignified trophy presentation ceremony, acknowledging the achievements and sportsmanship of all participants.
Tournament Results:
Women’s Tournament:
- 1st Place: Mwanya Girls
- 2nd Place: Nabwalya Girls
- 3rd Place: Yakhobe Girls
Men’s Tournament:
- 1st Place: Nabwalya Boys
- 2nd Place: Chitungulu Boys
- 3rd Place: Kapangula Boys
The Luambe Conservation Football Tournament not only celebrated athletic achievements but also promoted environmental awareness and community engagement. Through quizzes, artistic endeavors, and spirited football matches, the tournament reinforced the importance of conservation education and unity among local communities. Special thanks to the Chitungulu Foundation and all sponsors for their invaluable support in making this event a success.
