By Hansel Ngala in Lusaka
The iconic UEFA Champions League trophy is making its way across Southern Africa, attracting thousands of passionate football fans. The prestigious trophy, widely regarded as the most coveted prize in European club football, is currently on a tour aimed at celebrating the competition’s global fanbase.
After making stops in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa last week, the trophy arrived in Livingstone, Zambia, on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, April 30th, the Zambian capital, Lusaka, played host to the tour, drawing hundreds of excited supporters who came to catch a glimpse of the legendary cup. Fans had the opportunity to take photos with the trophy which was presented by former Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. Fans got to take photos with Schweinsteiger next to the trophy and also engage in various football-themed activities organized around the event by Heineken.
According to a statement published on the official UEFA Champions League website, the tour features “a series of events scheduled to reward some of the most committed Champions League supporters” across the African continent. The initiative is part of UEFA’s broader effort to recognize and celebrate its vibrant and diverse international fan base.
The next and final stop of the trophy tour is Nairobi, Kenya, where events will be held on May 2 and 3, 2025, offering East African fans a chance to join the celebration.
