The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, has called for professionalism and stronger partnerships in the kit sponsorship arrangements between Red Arrows Football Club and its new sponsors.
The Air Force Commander used the occasion to welcome Red Arrows’ strategic partners and sponsors, BolaBet, Sun King, Go Fresh and Shoprite, into the Red Arrows and wider Zambia Air Force family. He commended the sponsors for investing financial resources and confidence in the Club and noted that their contribution went beyond having their brands displayed on the playing kit.
Speaking when Red Arrows Football Club President, Col Moses Kambimbi and the Executive presented the new kit on Friday, 28 August 2026, at his office for an on-the-spot appreciation, Lt Gen Nyoni, also commended the initiative by Red Arrows Management, describing it as the mark of good leadership and thinking outside the box.
“I wish to appreciate your efforts, Club President together with your Executive, for doing a commendable job in securing this Kit. The new design and scheduled unveiling are an important milestone for the Club, i’ am confident that the new look Airmen would carry the identity of Red Arrows with pride and professionalism and perform very well throughout the season,” the Air Force Commander said.
Lt Gen Nyoni also encouraged the Club to remain focused, disciplined and continue working hard in order to achieve their objectives set for the 2026/27 season.
Later, a colourful ceremony was held at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2026 where the kit was officially launched and unveiled by the Deputy Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Maj Gen Henry Chiwaya.
Meanwhile Maj Gen Chiwaya said the new kit represented the confidence that the sponsors had for the Red Arrows brand because they recognised its potential to achieve their business targets as well as plough back into the community they operate in. He said the kit unveil was the beginning of partnerships aimed at creating lasting value for the Club, its sponsors and supporters.
“When you put on this jersey, you are not only representing yourselves. You are representing Red Arrows Football Club, the Zambia Air Force, our supporters and the corporate partners whose names appear on this shirt,” Maj Gen Chiwaya said.
He further urged the Red Arrows Executive Committee to take ownership of its relationships with sponsors by maintaining regular communication, understanding their business objectives, providing appropriate visibility and ensuring that agreed activations are effectively supported throughout the season.
He also encouraged meaningful interaction between sponsors, players, technical staff and supporters, provided such engagements do not interfere with training, recovery and match preparation.
“A successful partnership is not managed only when the sponsor’s logo needs to be displayed; it is nurtured throughout the entire relationship,” he said, emphasising the need for mutual value between Red Arrows and its corporate partners.
The Deputy Air Force Commander also called on the Club and its sponsors to use football as a platform for youth development, community engagement and social responsibility, while commending the Executive Committee for positioning Red Arrows as a professional and commercially attractive football institution.
He reaffirmed Command’s continued support for Red Arrows as the parent sponsor, including efforts towards player welfare, motivation and the resources required for the Club to remain competitive.
Maj Gen Chiwaya congratulated the Red Arrows Executive Committee and sponsors on the milestone and officially unveiled and lauched the kit before scores of fans at Nkoloma.
Thereafter, Red Arrows played an international friendly match against AS Simba Kamikaze from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in their new kit, beating them 2 – 1, with goals from Michee Malonga and Saddam Yusuf Phiri.
Meanwhile, the Airmen put their new colours to the ultimate test and showcased the 2026/27 home and alternative kits in style. The red home strip took centre stage in the first half and drew plenty of excitement from the fans, before the Airmen switched into the striking white alternative kit after the break.
With this victory in the International friendly, the Airmen are now ready to face Rouge of Madagascar this Saturday in Ndola in the first leg of the Caf confederation cup at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
