Tunta Sports & Entertainment

07/01/2025

Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 | By Felix Munyika

At Number 3: From Olympic Heartbreak to Champions’ Glory

As we continue our countdown of the Top Sports Moments of 2024 for Zambian sports, we’ve reached an unforgettable story of resilience at Number 3. This moment reminds us that no matter how hard one falls, there’s always a chance to rise and achieve the extraordinary.

Let’s dive in!

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Team Zambia faced a slow start despite soaring expectations. It took a few days for the first victory to arrive, and it came courtesy of none other than sensational boxer Patrick 'Baddo' Chinyemba. On July 30, 2024, Baddo defeated India’s Amit Amit in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 split decision, advancing to the quarterfinals and coming within one step of the coveted medal bracket.

Baddo’s preparation and determination had made him a favorite to win a medal, especially as he was the first Zambian athlete to qualify for Paris 2024, securing his spot a year earlier. But the Olympic Games are the pinnacle of global sports anything can happen, and as they say, expect the unexpected.

On August 2, 2024, Baddo faced Cape Verde’s David de Pina in the quarterfinals. The bout was a nail-biter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, Baddo lost via unanimous points decision, sending shockwaves through the Zambian sports fraternity and the global boxing world. Personally, I was heartbroken, but like Baddo, I applauded de Pina’s performance. De Pina went on to secure Cape Verde’s first-ever Olympic medal, a remarkable achievement.

While Baddo’s Olympic journey ended there, his story didn’t. Instead of dwelling on defeat, he regrouped, trained harder, and focused on his next challenge. The opportunity for redemption came soon: a fight for the African Flyweight Continental Title under the International Boxing Association (IBA). Originally slated to face de Pina again, the bout was reshuffled, and Baddo found himself up against Ghana’s Theophilus ‘Lopez’ Allotey.

On August 17, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Baddo made history. Fighting at the Adwa Museum Hall during the first-ever IBA Champions’ Night staged in Africa, Baddo captured the IBA African Flyweight title with a stunning fourth-round technical knockout. This victory marked a perfect conclusion to his 2024 competition schedule, which started with his African Games gold medal and culminated in his crowning as the first-ever IBA African Flyweight Champion.

With this victory, Baddo proved once again why he is Zambia’s boxing poster boy. But he isn’t stopping here. He still dreams of claiming an Olympic medal, and with Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, it feels like a question of when, not if.

What do you think of this iconic moment in Zambian sports, ranked Number 3? Let’s keep the conversation alive in the comments section!
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Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 are proudly sponsored by Tunta Sports & Entertainment

30/12/2024

18/11/2024

Zambia’s Sprint Star Muzala to Shine in Grand Slam Track Series
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By Felix Munyika

Muzala Samukonga, Zambia’s sprint sensation and bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, continues to make headlines as he gears up for the inaugural season of the Grand Slam Track Series. Samukonga, one of the first African athletes signed by Grand Slam Track, enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, culminating in a third-place finish at the 2024 Diamond League Final.

The Grand Slam Track Series, founded by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, promises to revolutionize athletics with its high-stakes competition and unprecedented prize pool of $12.6 million (€11.95 million). The series will kick off in Kingston, Jamaica, from 4-6 April 2025, before moving to Miami (2-4 May), Philadelphia (30 May - June 1), and concluding at the iconic UCLA Stadium in Los Angeles from 27-29 June.

This ambitious series will overlap with preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, giving athletes a golden opportunity to test themselves ahead of the global stage. “We are thrilled to bring this event to these iconic cities and can't wait to give the fans an unforgettable experience. It's a new era for the sport, and we're thrilled to be leading the way,” Johnson said in a statement.

Samukonga will join a star-studded lineup, including Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is set to compete in all four events. A total of 48 athletes have already been confirmed, with each receiving a base fee and opportunities for additional earnings through licensing and revenue-sharing arrangements. Another 48 athletes will compete in individual events, earning appearance fees.

The stakes are high, with winners of each event pocketing $100,000 (€94,836), while runners-up and third-place finishers will take home $50,000 (€47,418) and $30,000 (€28,450), respectively. Prizes extend to 8th place, with even the lowest-ranking finalist earning $10,000 (€9,483)—a figure matching the top prize of many Diamond League events.

As the competition prepares to challenge the dominance of the Diamond League, all eyes will be on Muzala Samukonga. His inspiring journey from Zambia to the world stage and his groundbreaking deal with Grand Slam Track mark him as a trailblazer in athletics. With his incredible form and determination, Samukonga is set to make waves in what promises to be a Hollywood-worthy chapter of his already remarkable career.

Grand Slam Track is the premier global professional track league featuring matchups between the fastest stars in the sport. At the beginning of each season, four Racers per group make the starting roster to contest each Slam. The next four Racers in each group are the Challengers, whose recent performances unlock a lane to the most compelling head-to-head clashes on earth. Each athlete will compete twice over the course of the weekend with the best combined placing determining the Slam champion.

13/11/2024

Whenever people look for jobs in the sports industry

A common question arises...

Should I pursue sports management or sports marketing?

Honestly, it's a tough choice

On one hand

Sports management is for those who have an eye for detail and logistics

On the other hand

Sports marketing calls for a creative and analytical mind

The truth is

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here

The key is understanding your strengths and goals

One you identify that, it will be much clearer

09/11/2024

We are live at the 2024 NOCZ Technical Directors Forum.

Join us for the discussion Topic IV: NOCs and athletes and coaches' engagement. What is the impact of having a Technical Director? Roles and responsibilities for athletes’ performance by Leon Fleiser

08/11/2024

PPP from Zambia current perspective by Abel Samungole, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts

08/11/2024

PPP from Zambia current perspective by Abel Samungole, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.

Join the discussion.

08/11/2024

Discussion topic II: Perspective of Technical Director, Coach and Athlete. Olympic Qualification Pathway by Leon Fleiser from South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC)

08/11/2024

Join us for the opening of the 2024 National Olympic Committee of Zambia Technical Directors Forum.

30/10/2024

The prestigious ANOC Awards will be broadcast live on ANOC.tv on 30 October as the global NOC community comes together to celebrate the outstanding performances of athletes at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The awards will be a night filled with inspiration, recognition and the shared passion of the Olympic Movement, where attendees and fans online will witness the world’s top athletes and teams being honoured for their excellence. The Awards will feature several returning and a number of new categories to reflect the wide array of achievements at Paris 2024. These include:
Best Female and Best Male Athletes Best Female and Best Male
Teams Best mixed team ANOC Award for Outstanding Sporting
Career

28/10/2024

The Power of Purpose: Embracing the Behind-the-Scenes Role in Communications
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In a world that often celebrates center stage moments and viral headlines, there's profound impact in being the architect behind successful communications strategies. As a media and communications professional, I've learned that true fulfillment doesn't always come from being in the spotlight – it comes from knowing your work elevates the entire production.

Every successful campaign, viral moment, or perfectly executed media strategy has an invisible team of professionals working tirelessly behind the curtain. We're the ones crafting messages, fine-tuning narratives, and ensuring every piece fits perfectly into the bigger picture. While our names may not appear in the bylines, our fingerprints are on every success story.

Working behind the scenes has taught me that impact isn't measured by applause but by results. When a campaign resonates with its audience, when a message creates meaningful change, or when a strategy achieves its objectives – that's where I find my satisfaction. It's about understanding that every role, whether visible or not, is crucial to the final outcome.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of believing in your capabilities, even when they're not publicly visible. There's a unique kind of confidence that comes from knowing your worth isn't determined by external validation but by the quality of your contribution. This self-assurance grows stronger with each project successfully executed from behind the scenes.

In an industry that thrives on communication, I've found that the most powerful statement you can make is through your work itself. Let your strategies speak through their success. Let your creativity shine through the campaigns you orchestrate. Let your expertise be evident in the seamless ex*****on of complex projects.

While I embrace my current role behind the scenes, I understand that careers are dynamic journeys. The skills, expertise, and insights gained from supporting others are preparing me for future opportunities to step into the spotlight. When that moment arrives, it will be built on a foundation of experience, understanding, and proven ability.

To my fellow behind-the-scenes professionals: embrace your role with pride. Know that your contribution, though sometimes invisible to the wider audience, is invaluable to the success of every project. Continue to hone your craft, build your expertise, and trust that your work speaks volumes about your capabilities.

Remember, success in communications isn't always about being the face of the story – it's about being part of the team that makes the story worth telling.

25/10/2024

🥊

Good afternoon family!

As you enjoy this Friday afternoon after celebrating Zambia's 60th Independence Anniversary, I would like to share with you these highlights from my recent fight during the IBA Champions Night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I was crowned African Flyweight Champion after the victory.

Reliving this incredible moment makes it even more special!

Watch how determination and hard work paid off in the ring. This victory belongs to all of us - thank you for your endless support on this journey to becoming African Champion!

Drop a 🥊 in the comments if you're proud of Zambian boxing!

19/10/2024

Session 6
Panel discussion: Olympafrica Centre Lusaka, Zambia & OYDC Zambia - Sports Development Centre

Moderator: Clement Chileshe
Rapporteur: Nicholas Chipeta

Panelist: Tinyiko Noombo; Ben Tembo; Chaelelwa Kazika; Mwange Kampamba

18/10/2024

Join us for the opening of the 2024 NOCZ General Secretaries Seminar underway in Lusaka, Zambia.

This 5th Edition is being held under the theme: "Implementing Fundamental Governance Principles"

14/10/2024

Good afternoon, everyone!

I’m excited to share that I’ve been nominated for the Diamond TV Personality of the Year Awards (POTYAs) in the category of Male Sportsman of the Year for 2024!

2024 has been an incredible year for me, starting with a Gold medal at the African Games, followed by a quarterfinal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and culminating in my victory for the IBA African Flyweight title, where I secured a fourth-round technical knockout.

I would greatly appreciate your support in voting for me!

To vote, please click the link below and select Patrick Chinyemba:
https://diamondtvzambia.com/personality-of-the-year-awards-potyas-2024/

Thank you!

09/10/2024

There is so much potential in athletes to build their own brands.

08/10/2024

EXCITING NEWS: Zambian Football Star Nominated for Prestigious Award!

It's a proud moment for Zambia! Our incredible Women's National Team Captain, Barbra Banda, has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or—one of football's most prestigious awards!

The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football, recognizing the best players in the world. This nomination puts our very own Barbra Banda among football's global elite!

How can you support Barbra?

1. Vote now [ https://www.lequipe.fr/en/special/selection/ballon-dor-2024/section/the-womens-ballon-dor ]
2. Share this post with your friends and family
3. Use hashtag to spread the word

Let's rally together and show the world the power of Zambian support!

Every vote counts in helping Barbra bring this historic award home.

07/10/2024

Congratulations!

Banda and Chanda win NWSL Shield with Orlando Pride
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We join the rest of the nation in congratulating and celebrating the Zambian Orlando Pride duo, Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda GC, as Orlando Pride claim their first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Shield.

Orlando Pride secured their first NWSL Shield on Sunday after defeating second-place Washington Spirit 2-0.

The Shield is awarded to the team with the best overall record in the NWSL standings. Pride are the winners with an unassailable 57 points, with three games still to play.

Orlando’s NWSL Shield victory also means they hold the number one seed heading into the NWSL Playoffs, where eight teams will compete for the championship after the regular season concludes.

Congratulations to the two Copper Queens and their Orlando Pride teammates!