BARNABAS ZULU
IN a scene straight out of a political thriller, the usually tranquil grounds of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) headquarters in Lusaka were thrown into utter disarray early yesterday as the iconic Football House was mysteriously locked, leaving stunned employees stranded outside.
Boldly printed posters similar to those used when applying “mingalato” demanding the immediate removal of FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga were plastered across the building’s entrance, signalling what appears to be a deepening crisis at the heart of Zambian football administration.
The atmosphere was tense. Confused staff stood helplessly at the gates, whispering anxiously among themselves, while passersby stopped to gawk at the unprecedented standoff.
“This is purely an internal administrative matter, and we are handling it as such,” said FAZ President Keith Mweemba at a hastily convened press briefing.
His voice, calm but firm, belied the gravity of the unfolding drama. “Any elements under investigation have been reported to the police and will be dealt with through the appropriate channels.”
FAZ Vice President Mutale Ng’andu echoed Mweemba’s sentiments but did not hide his concern. “We have called in the law enforcement agencies, and they are on the ground investigating,” he said.
“What happened today is deeply unfortunate. Until the police conclude their inquiries, we won’t know who is behind this, but rest assured, we will act once we have the facts.”
The bold act of locking out staff was accompanied by handwritten messages angrily calling for the ouster of Kamanga and his deputy John Msimuko, revealing simmering tensions within the corridors of FAZ.
While officials insist the matter will be dealt with administratively, the symbolic act of locking out offices of the country’s football governing body has sent shockwaves through the sporting community.
Later in the day, the FAZ offices were reopened under police watch, but questions continue to swirl.
Kamanga was appointed by the executive of former FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, who lost to Mweemba.
Who are the shadowy figures behind the act? What grievances are they channeling? What does this mean for the future of FAZ leadership? Is this “mingalato” aimed at ousting the entire former leadership?
As the investigations continue, one thing is clear: the storm brewing at Football House is far from over.
