Tunta Sports & Entertainment

16/02/2025

Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 | By Felix Munyika

At Number 2: Hard work always pays off

It’s Thursday! And you know what that means? We’re throwing it back to a few weeks ago for Number 2 on the Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024!

This one needs no lengthy introduction—it’s a widely recognized fact that hard work always pays off! But let’s dive into this unforgettable moment that reminds us of the power of determination and talent. For Barbra Banda, all it took was making a bold move from east to west, swapping the Chinese Women’s Super League for America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). And wow—did the world take notice of her brilliance!

For years, Barbra has been delivering world-class performances for both club and country, breaking records and making history along the way. But 2024? That was the year we’d all been waiting for.

After making a name for herself in Spain and China, Barbra Banda signed with Orlando Pride in 2024 for the second-highest transfer fee in women’s football history. In her debut NWSL season, she led the Pride to both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship, earning herself the Championship MVP title. To top it off, she was voted the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Her achievements weren’t limited to club football. She played a pivotal role in the Copper Queens’ qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking their second consecutive Olympic appearance under her leadership. And from the way things are looking, she’s setting her sights on a third!

But the pinnacle of her year came on home soil—well, African soil—at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards on Monday, 16th December. Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian footballer since Kalusha Bwalya in 1988 to win a CAF Player of the Year Award, claiming the Women’s Player of the Year title at the prestigious event in Marrakech, Morocco.

This accolade capped off a jaw-dropping year for Barbra. In her first NWSL season, she was a revelation, netting the decisive goal in the playoffs final—one of 17 goals in 25 games. For the Copper Queens, she delivered again, scoring 8 goals in 7 matches while adding 8 assists for Orlando Pride. Unsurprisingly, she was named in the Women’s World XI team for 2024.

Banda’s 2024 was a masterclass in excellence, proving why she’s regarded as one of the best in the world. Her CAF Award win was not just a milestone for her but a proud moment for Zambia and African football.

This iconic achievement is why her CAF Award win ranks as the Number 2 Top Sports Moment of the Year in Zambian Sport.

What are your thoughts on this moment of pure greatness in Zambian sports? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
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Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 are proudly sponsored by Tunta Sports & Entertainment

16/02/2025

Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 | By Felix Munyika

At Number 1: A Day to Remember in Zambian History

To cap off our countdown of the Top Sports Moments of 2024, this Saturday brings us to the pinnacle, the number one moment of the year.

For me, this moment holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because I witnessed it firsthand, a breathtaking achievement that gave me a glimpse of what it truly means to win a medal at the Olympic Games, the biggest sports stage in the world!

What makes this moment even more extraordinary is the fact that it took Zambia 28 long years to witness another Olympic medal victory.

Now, let’s dive straight into the story. Mwebantu! (People!) Picture this: it was the 7th of August 2024, the men’s 400m final, a showdown featuring one of the most competitive lineups in Olympic history. Just recalling it now refreshes the vivid memories of that electrifying day.

And leading the charge to end that drought was none other than Muzala Samukonga, Zambia’s sprinting sensation. He had already wowed us during the semifinals, smashing the national record with a time of 43.81 seconds, an impressive feat in what had already been a stellar 2024 season for him. Heading into the final, Muzala faced some of the world’s best athletes. But, true to form, he gave it his all, pushing himself to the limit for Mother Zambia. The result? A blazing 43.74 seconds, earning him the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Not only did he end Zambia’s 28-year Olympic medal drought, but he also set yet another national record!

This moment isn’t just historic, it’s iconic. Muzala’s feat at the Paris Olympics will forever be enshrined in Zambia’s sports history. Let’s not forget: this is the same athlete who ended Zambia’s gold medal drought at the Commonwealth Games, winning the men’s 400m final at the Birmingham 2022 Games, 20 years after our last gold at the Manchester 2002 Games.

And here’s an incredible coincidence: Muzala won both medals, his Commonwealth gold and Olympic bronze, on the same date: 7th August. It’s a date that will forever hold a special place in Zambian sports lore.

Muzala’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. From breaking records to thrilling performances, he bounced back after missing the 2023 World Championships due to injury. With the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this phenomenal athlete.

Of course, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without his technical team and teammates. From his international debut at the Nairobi 2021 World U20 Championships to closing his 2024 season in the Wanda Diamond League final, Muzala’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Without a doubt, Muzala Samukonga is the Zambian Athlete of the Year 2024!

What do you think of this iconic moment in Zambian sports? Do you agree with its spot as the number one highlight of the year? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
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Top Sports Moments of the Year 2024 are proudly sponsored by 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)