BARNABAS ZULU
ANDREW Kamanga, still has an important role to play in the development of Zambian football and should be embraced as part of the football family, says Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba.
Mweemba, speaking during the FIFA induction programme for the newly elected FAZ executive committee, emphasised the need for unity in the football fraternity.
He said even those who have been critical of him are welcome to contribute to the growth of the sport.
“I have committed to ensuring that everyone who has something to offer our game is given the opportunity to serve or contribute. We continue to engage all stakeholders, including the present and past leadership,” Mweemba said.
FIFA Regional Development Manager David Fani, who officiated the programme, said the exercise was designed to empower the new leadership and align them with FIFA’s operational and governance standards.
“My presence here demonstrates FIFA’s support to one of its member associations. This induction is meant to benefit the executive committee and the football fraternity at large,” said Fani.
“It is an empowerment initiative to bring the newly elected committee up to speed on how to conduct the affairs of FAZ.”
Fani commended Mweemba for his public commitment to upholding the tenets of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Mweemba reiterated that his administration was firmly focused on decentralisation and enhancing institutional structures across all provinces.
“We are currently in the midst of institutionalising a robust decentralisation programme that has seen FAZ establish offices across the 10 provinces,” Mweemba said. “However, these offices are still housed in rented facilities. Our long-term vision is to transition to full devolution – establishing permanent structures and promoting the separation of powers at every level.”
He also stressed that diversity and inclusivity were reflected in the composition of the executive committee, noting that all regions were represented.
Mweemba thanked FIFA for its continued support through the FIFA Forward programme, disclosing that US$10 million had already been committed towards the construction of a state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Chongwe.
“The proposed Technical Centre will house the FAZ headquarters, football pitches, conference rooms, hotel accommodation, gymnasium and swimming pools, among other facilities,” he said.
“On our part, we commit to adhering to the high standards set by FIFA in the implementation of these projects.”
He pledged that FAZ would uphold corporate governance principles grounded in accountability, fairness and transparency, in line with FIFA’s expectations.
“We will also endeavour to embrace the principle of separation of powers, as it promotes checks and balances in the administration of the game,” he added.
“We want every stakeholder – including those from past leadership – to feel a sense of belonging. Football should bring us together, not divide us.
