By BARNABAS ZULU
FOOTBALL administrator Damiano Mutale has expressed his surprise and concern over the continued involvement of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga in official matters, despite his mandate having expired.
According to the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), the mandate of the FAZ executive, led by Kamanga, ended on February 28, 2025.
NSCZ through the guidance of the Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha gave instructions that according to the FAZ constitution upon which the FAZ executive was elected in 2020, their mandated expired on February 28, 2025.
However, Mutale has questioned why Kamanga was allowed to officiate at the provincial elections in Choma, given that his term has ended.
“It is surprising that despite the expiration of his mandate, Kamanga has continued to discharge his duties as FAZ President,” Mutale said.
“The National Sports Council of Zambia must suspend Kamanga for daring to go against Government regulations.”
Mutale also criticised the recent statement made by Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa, who said the government respects the mandate of FAZ.
According to Mutale, Mweetwa’s statement is misleading and contradicts the position of the NSCZ.
“The statement by Mweetwa that they respect the mandate of FAZ is misleading and in contrast with the NSCZ,” Mutale said. “There is a need to bring normalcy to Zambian football.”
He said the situation presents a risk of undermining the integrity of the sport in Zambia. He suggested that the government’s failure to act would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other sports administrators to flout regulations with impunity. He noted that without proper oversight, football in Zambia could descend into a state of chaos and mismanagement.
