Zambia's national team are playing well under coach Herve Renard
The Football Association of Zambia (Faz) has clinched a $600,000 sponsorship deal with a local brewery for the national team.
The two-year deal with Zambian Breweries will be the biggest sponsorship package in the Chipolopolo's history.
The money will go towards the costs of the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
Although the package is a major boost for the team, Zambia's football is still faced with many financial challenges.
Faz is struggling to pay Chipolopolo coach Herve Renard after a local copper mining company withdrew its offer to pay the Frenchman's salary.
The global financial crisis was cited as the reason for the withdrawal, and four clubs have also lost sponsorship deals.
Economic constraints mean that Zambian Breweries' decision to support the Chipolopolo sees the end of its 48-year-old marriage with the country's oldest club competition, the Mosi Cup.
"We feel other companies can fill the void we have left by withdrawing from the Mosi Cup," Zambian Breweries corporate affairs director Chibamba Kanyama told BBC Sport.
"Our desire now is to contribute to the development of Zambia's football at national team level after being associated with grassroots football for such a long time."
Faz spokesperson Emmanuel Munaile believes the deal is boost to a team that has traditionally relied on government support for its international commitments.
"I'm sure this will motivate our boys in Zambia's quest to qualify for their maiden World Cup finals," he said.
Zambia made a great start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, drawing 1-1 away to African champions on Sunday.
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