MICHAEL MIYOBA
Lusaka
NATIONAL futsal team coach Andrea Cristoforetti was honoured with the prestigious XVIII Premio Internazionale Dean Martin award for his contribution to the development of the sport in Zambia.
Cristoforetti recently received the international award in Montesilvano, Italy, where his work in using futsal as a tool for sporting development, education and cultural exchange was recognised.
In an interview, Cristoforetti is proud of the recognition but regarded it as a reflection of the collective journey he has undertaken with Zambia.
“I received the award with great pride but I see it also as a recognition of the journey we are making together in Zambia,” he said.
“Africa, and Zambia in particular, has given me an extraordinary opportunity to live and develop my passion for futsal. To have my home region recognise this work means a lot to me.”
Cristoforetti hopes the recognition will shine a spotlight on the progress being made in Zambian futsal and help attract greater international attention to the sport.
According to the award citation, Cristoforetti has played an important role in taking the sporting culture and experience of his native Abruzzo to Africa while using futsal to bring people and communities together.
“He (Andrea Cristoforetti) brought experience, talent and sporting culture from Abruzzo to Africa, contributing to the growth of futsal and making sport an extraordinary instrument for bringing people together, for education and for dialogue between peoples, cultures and new generations,” read the citation.
The Premio Internazionale Dean Martin, now in its 18th edition, is named after legendary Italian-American entertainer Dean Martin, who was born Dino Crocetti. The award celebrates personalities who have distinguished themselves internationally while promoting the values, culture and identity of Abruzzo beyond Italy.
Cristoforetti’s recognition comes at an important stage of his coaching career, as he continues to make an impact on the development of futsal in Zambia.
He has played a key role in the progress of the national futsal team, guiding Zambia to qualification for the 2024 and 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Cristoforetti’s influence, however, extends beyond the national team.
He also doubles as coach of Automotive Futsal Academy and has contributed to the development of the domestic game through his involvement in the Football Association of Zambia Premier Futsal League.
