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Lusaka MEDIA CLUB, Lusaka (2025)

06/05/2025

We are Not Making Promises, We are Delivering - Kamanga

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga Monday night stepped into the spotlight to defend a track record he insists speaks for itself.

In a wide-ranging conversation with ZNBC’s Brian Mulamba on Race to Football House, Kamanga addressed everything from grassroots investment to refereeing reforms and financial independence, laying out both his past achievements and his vision for the future.

“When the team wins, the coaches and players get all the praise. You never hear anyone saying it’s because of Kamanga. But that’s okay, because if you understand football development, you know the results come from years of quiet work,” Kamanga said.

Kamanga took over FAZ in 2016 at a time he describes as chaotic.
“Everything was not working. We had to start all over again,” he said, recalling how Zambia failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times in a row.

Rather than chase quick fixes, Kamanga said his team made a bold decision to focus on grassroots and youth development, planting seeds that took time to grow.

“From 2016 to 2020, we focused on the foundation. By 2021, the results started showing. We qualified for the 2023 and 2025 AFCON. We built that success,” the FAZ boss said.

Under his watch, Zambia has seen historic strides, including multiple back-to-back qualifications at all levels, from under-17 to senior men’s and women’s teams, African Nations Championship (CHAN) and COSAFA tournaments.

Kamanga’s new campaign centres around financial independence for FAZ.

“Right now, CAF gives $850,000 just for showing up at AFCON, reach the quarter-finals? That’s $1.4 million. Win it? That’s $7.5 million. And that’s just the men’s side, CAF has now secured sponsorship for the Women’s Africa Cup too,” Kamanga said.

Beyond CAF money, Kamanga revealed that FAZ has secured a broadcast sponsor who has already committed K1.5 million plus to the Super League, with plans to extend support to the National League for the first time.

“We are not promising what we don’t have, we are delivering based on what’s already in hand,” Kamanga said.

One of Kamanga’s proudest accomplishments is decentralizing FAZ operations.

“Before, clubs had to beg for jerseys or a football. Now, FAZ provides kits, equipment and grants. Today, you can’t win an election by giving someone a football because they already get that from us,” Kamanga explained.

This shift, he believes, has unlocked talent across provinces and brought structure to the game nationwide.

“Even FIFA has agreed to channel grants directly to provinces now, we are empowering the grassroots,” he added.
Kamanga also points to the meteoric rise of women’s football under his tenure as a major success story.

“Three Africa Cups, two Olympic appearances. A senior women’s World Cup debut in 2023. And now our U17 girls have qualified back-to-back. We made a decision to prioritize women’s football, and it’s paying off,” Kamanga said.

Addressing concerns around refereeing standards, Kamanga admitted there was work to be done.
“Yes, there is a problem, but we have a solution: more training, better pay and eventually, full professionalism. We have even started preparing for VAR. Janny Sikazwe is leading that project where we have trained 40 referees already,” Kamanga said.

He promises that referees’ pay will be increased by at least 50% in the coming season.

Kamanga didn’t shy away from discussing the legal battles that have dogged FAZ.
“All these injunctions, from Damiano (Mutale) to a journalist being used, it’s just a handful of people trying to derail progress, they are not helping football,” Kamanga said.

He explained how delays in provincial elections caused by legal action forced FAZ to adjust its roadmap in consultation with FIFA, yet critics used these delays to attack his legitimacy.

“I have always been ready for elections, but we had to follow the law,” Kamanga said firmly.

Kamanga’s focus is now on finishing what he started.
“We have laid the foundation. Now we are putting the roof, financial independence, refereeing reform and women’s football, this is not the time to start over,” Kamanga said.
And if re-elected?

“ZPL will be fully independent from FAZ. That’s the next phase,” he declared.

05/05/2025

FOOTBALL AT CROSSROADS

Martin Akende

As a concerned supporter of football integrity in Zambia, I find it deeply concerning and frankly baffling how the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) has chosen to interpret and apply governance protocols selectively ahead of the 2025 FAZ Elective AGM.

All 10 provincial elections were conducted with either outgoing or former chairpersons presiding, consistent with tradition and accepted without objection from the NSCZ or any of the presidential candidates in attendance.

Now, with the national elective AGM around the corner, the NSCZ suddenly takes issue with the same structure it silently endorsed at the provincial level. Why now?

Even more puzzling is the suggestion that the General Secretary, an employee of the Executive Committee, should chair an AGM meant to elect that very Executive.

That is not just procedurally incorrect, it undermines fundamental governance principles.

How can an employee chair a meeting of their employer? It’s simply absurd.

If Mr. Andrew Kamanga, the sitting FAZ President whose term is valid until the conclusion of the AGM, is being sidelined without any constitutional justification, then we are right to ask: is the NSCZ pushing a hidden agenda? Do they have a preferred candidate in this election?

That is why we are on firm ground with our intention to pursue legal recourse or escalate the matter to FIFA if reason does not prevail.

Governance must be consistent and free from interference. Zambian football deserves better than selective enforcement and veiled politics.

Let the will of the football family be respected.

On Wednesday we shall inform the football stakeholders the way forward. Otherwise impunity will not be allowed.

04/05/2025

Lusaka Media Team Outshines Kasama Legends in 3-1 Thriller

Reported by: Burton Buyaala

The Lusaka Media Team put on a show to remember on Saturday afternoon, toppling the visiting Kasama Legends 3-1 in a spirited friendly rematch that kicked off at 16:00 hours. The clash was filled with flair, grit, and unforgettable moments that kept fans at the edge of their seats.

The journalists wasted no time asserting their dominance, with young reporter-turned-striker Steven Simbaya opening the scoring with a clinical finish in the first half. Known more for breaking news than breaking defensive lines, Simbaya showed he’s equally sharp in front of goal, setting the tempo for the encounter.

Kasama Legends, ever the wily veterans, struck back just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to level matters at 1-1. Their equalizer injected fresh urgency into the match, with both sides showing flashes of brilliance.

But the second half belonged to Lusaka Media. Chairman Njoya Tembo rose to the occasion, bagging his fourth goal in as many games with a composed strike that swung the momentum back in Lusaka’s favor. The pressure mounted as the Legends pushed for an equalizer, and the match hit boiling point when they were awarded a controversial penalty.

However, Lusaka Media’s shot-stopper proved heroic, diving full stretch to deny the Legends and preserve the lead. The save by Musa Lusaka Media number 1 sparked celebrations on the touchline and reignited the media team’s fire.

Then came the moment of magic. In the dying minutes, Lucky, affectionately dubbed “Lucky k**a Left”—unleashed a dazzling left-footed effort that left the keeper rooted and sealed the 3-1 victory.

Beyond the goals and glory, the game was a testament to camaraderie, showcasing the bond between media professionals and the legendary footballers from Kasama.

27/04/2025

LUSAKA MEDIA TEAM IN ANOTHER VICTORY

The Lusaka media soccer team came from behind to record a victory against Central Sports club in a game played at Queensmead stadium on Saturday.

Central Sports club found the back of the net mid - way in the first half after the scribes goal keeper misjudged the ball and was beaten via a strike outside the 18 - yard box.

Led by Njoya Tembo in attack, the media team kept pressing and had their efforts paid off just before half time as Tembo alias Njoya T beat Central Sports goalie via a long range strike into the bottom right corner after a defensive error.

At the beginning of the second half, Central Sports came with full force, terrorizing the media team's defense in search of more goals, but Lusaka radio's Burton who played alongside Lucky made sure that no ball passed behind their net.

With female media coach Francis Chipalo on the bench, screaming instructions to the Makokwa Kozi and Logic Lukwanda's manned - midfield, the journalists kept on mounting pressure, and displayed an outstanding performance against their opponents.

After much pressure, Lucky fired a shot and got the second goal for the press men before Golden rapped up the scoreline in the final minutes of the game and secured a 3- 2 victory in favor of the journalists.

It is the second victory in a row for the scribes who last weekend wired Kabos FC 4-1 with Njoya T also finding his name on the score sheet.

The media team has shown seriously improvement, scoring 7 goals and only conceding 3 in last two encounters.

The team is early next month expected to travel to Sinda in the Eastern province where it has been invited for a tournament.

Ends/pics

26/03/2025

Andrew Kamanga's message to councillors ahead of the FAZ Elective AGM in Livingstone

23/03/2025

Kamanga's Vision: The Perfect Fit for FAZ's Future

Martin Akende

With the Football Association of Zambia's (FAZ) elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Livingstone just around the corner in five days, tensions are running high and the temperatures in the football kitchen are high. The pressure is mounting, and it's taking a toll on some presidential hopefuls.

For some, the pressure has led to desperate measures, such as invoking the power of "big brother" - the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) - against opponents. Others have resorted to throwing tantrums at provincial halls hosting elections. A striking example of this was seen in Kabwe, where someone misused their position in the service to unleash officers on a peaceful civilian opponent. This incident highlights just how intense and desperate the situation has become.

It would appear one man has remained calm through it all. Andrew Ndanga Kamanga has remained remarkably calm throughout his tumultuous eight-year tenure as the head of Zambian football.

Initially dismissed as an inept administrator, Kamanga faced fierce opposition from those he ousted in 2016. Despite this, he implemented transformative programs to improve football across Zambia and beyond.
However, his opponents seized upon every opportunity to criticize him, particularly when Zambia failed to qualify for three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017, 2019, and 2021.

Every loss by the Zambia National Team was blamed on Kamanga, with some high-ranking government officials regularly taking shots at him. Even his successes in other areas weren't enough to appease his critics, who seemed to focus solely on the national team's performance.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has made significant strides in overcoming its past challenges. Notably, FAZ has eliminated the long-standing issue of bailiffs and delayed salaries for secretariat staff. This achievement is a testament to the organization's commitment to improving its financial management and ensuring that its employees are paid promptly.

Another significant accomplishment is the dissolution of the match organizing committee, which was often criticized for being a tool for political appeasement and fundraising. This decision may have been met with resistance from some quarters, particularly supporters of the previous administration.

Furthermore, FAZ has raised the standards high for all teams both junior and senior teams. This move has enhanced the competitiveness and preparedness of the teams. Additionally, the women's national team now receives equal remuneration as their male counterparts, promoting gender equality in sports.

Suffice it to say that the anti-Kamanga faction repeatedly highlighted his perceived failures. However, regardless of the outcome on March 29, Andrew Kamanga's legacy as a football revolutionary remains cemented. The tangible results he has achieved speak for themselves.

Under his watch, the women’s football sphere has risen to unimaginable proportions. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has acknowledged the Copper Queens as perfect ambassadors of the global game. The Copper Queens have graced back-to-back Olympics (2020 and 2024) and a monumental FIFA World Cup appearance in Australia/New Zealand in 2023.
There has been more than just the prestige of global representation but the well-rounded development of the game. The women’s league is fully-fledged across the 10 provinces, with junior teams tapping from the regions. Things can only get better!

The most successful women’s team in COSAFA, the under-17 Women National Team, qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2024 and are on the cusp of yet another appearance this year in Morocco. Not everything has been done yet, but the steps taken clearly show that things can only get better.

Things are looking up for the men’s national team with the Chipolopolo back at AFCON with consecutive qualifications as table toppers for Africa’s biggest showpiece, and naysayers are licking their wounds as Chipolopolo grow from strength-to-strength.

The U-17 and U-20 national teams have also made back-to-back AFCON qualifications.
Factor in the CHAN and Copper Queens making it for Africa Cup of Nations outings to complete a five-star qualification performance.

The Kamanga brigade now have to focus on consolidating the gains starting with making sure the five teams heading to the Africa Cup are well prepared. Who better to trust with this responsibility of preparing teams than the tried and tested Andrew Ndanga Kamanga?

To sign off without acknowledging the decentralization policy that is embedded in the 10-year strategic plan would be a great injustice. It is this same initiative that his opponents have attempted to abuse in the name of observers at town hall elections. Every part of Zambia now has a FAZ office with a functioning secretariat which has taken the game right at the doorstep of the members.

Football is not built on shortcuts; it is built on consistency, strategic planning and steady leadership. This election is not about individuals, it is about safeguarding the stability and future of Zambian football.

Zambia cannot afford to reverse the progress we have made under Kamanga’s leadership. Our game must remain in football hands, free from political interference and external influences that threaten to derail our achievements.

Don’t they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

21/03/2025

Bid to Block Northern Province Elections Thwarted

Outgoing FAZ Northern Province chairperson Mwansa Kapyanga attempted to halt the electoral process from the floor after members disagreed with the approval of the agenda before the guest of honour could speak.

When the moment came for the approval of the agenda, a Mr Mbulo rose from the floor to question why some clubs that were eligible to attend the 2024/25 AGM were excluded.

He cited Chitampakwa as one of the clubs that had been excluded, with more members standing to highlight clubs that deserved to be in the meeting.

The discourse degenerated to a point that the guest of Beauty Undi Phiri was forced to leave the meeting before she could give government’s address.

In the heat of the moment, Kapyanga attempted to put the decision to either proceed or halt the meeting to a vote, but the members saw through the scheme.

The FAZ deputy general secretary John Msimuko stepped to provide guidance as regards the electoral process.

Kapyanga had earlier attempted to block FAZ president Andrew Kamanga from addressing the meeting after scrapping him off the program.

The outgoing provincial chairperson was declared ineligible by the Electroral Committee, Apeals Committee and Arbitration Tribunal.

Northern Province is the seventh province to hold its elective AGM after elections were held in Southern, Lusaka, Central, North Western, Copperbelt, and Luapula provinces.

On Saturday, the elective AGM will be held in Muchinga Province.

15/12/2024

LIVESTREAM: Hon Binwell Mpundu NKANA MP end of year National Address

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