Government has cleared former men’s national team coach Patrice Beaumelle’s arrears which had been outstanding for the past decade, Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu has disclosed.
Nkandu says government has fully paid US$120,000 (K3.1 million) owed to the Frenchman in salaries and other bonuses during his time as Chipolopolo coach between 2013 and 2014.
“We said this government will settle arrears and we are still paying. We just paid Mr Beaumelle for the debt which we found and we are still paying,” Nkandu said.
The Frenchman initially served as assistant coach to compatriot and legendary 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning gaffer Herve Renard before taking up the mantle in 2013 under the Kalusha Bwalya-led FAZ administration.
Meanwhile, Nkandu has reiterated government’s full commitment to offsetting of all outstanding dues which include the Chipolopolo players’ bonuses for qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
“I think everyone is aware that the budget has been cut by half due to the drought that we are experiencing as a country. However, we are aware of the unpaid dues which will be settled. This applies to other disciplines as well,” Nkandu said.
