Kashala quits – as FAZ secures more international friendlies for World Cup-bound Copper Queens

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

Adrian Kashala has quit his position as General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following his reinstatement in the Zambia Police Service.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga announced the development in a statement issued by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala.

Kamanga confirmed that Kashala, who was in 2020 allegedly retired from the police service “in national interest” by the Patriotic Front regime has been reinstated as Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and deputy Commanding Officer Paramilitary Battalion Unit.

“Following the reinstatement of Mr. Adrian Kashala in the Zambia Police where he has been appointed as Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and deputy Commanding Officer Paramilitary Battalion Unit, he will no longer serve as FAZ General Secretary,” Kamanga said.

He hailed the former Nkwazi FC chief for his contribution to the beautiful game and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to utilising his experience in various areas of the game. “On behalf of the FAZ executive, I wish to thank Mr. Kashala for his selfless service to the game. We will however be open to utilising his experience in various areas of our game as he is an asset,” Kamanga said.

FAZ has confirmed that during the transition period, FAZ Registrar Iva Lengwe will act as General Secretary for administrative convenience until the position is filled.

Kashala has been General Secretary from September 2018 and previously served as deputy before he was elevated when Ponga Liwewe resigned as FAZ General Secretary in March 2018.

Meanwhile, FAZ has secured two international friendly matches for the Copper Queens for the April FIFA Window against the Republic of Korea as part of continuous preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

FAZ said in a statement that the venue for the two friendly matches will be advised in due course with the dates being April 7 and 11.

Earlier, FAZ announced that it had also clinched an international friendly match which will see the Copper Queens play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, June 22 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

South Korea is in Group H alongside Morocco, Colombia, and Germany and a match against Zambia will be an opportunity to face African opposition as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup. 

Korea Republic is ranked 15th in the world while Zambia is perched in the 81st position on the global charts.