ONGOING CHART NEW PATH FOR ZAMBIA’S GAME

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Posted by admin on December 2, 2025 at 3:08 AM

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The National Football Indaba has officially opened in Lusaka, with Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis C. Nkandu, MP calling for unity, transparency, and renewed commitment to rebuilding Zambian football.

The two-day event, held at the Zambian Italian Cultural Centre, has brought together government officials, football administrators, technical experts, sponsors, academies, development partners, and stakeholders from across the country.

Mr Nkandu emphasized that football remains central to Zambia’s national identity, uniting communities and creating opportunities for young people. He acknowledged persistent challenges such as Governance weaknesses, Infrastructure gaps, Inconsistent funding and Insufficient technical capacity

He urged stakeholders to use the indaba to develop a national football development blueprint, focusing on governance, infrastructure investment, youth pathways, capacity-building, and financial sustainability.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to both men’s and women’s national teams, citing the equal pay policy as a landmark achievement. He also stressed that transparency and merit must guide player selection for the Chipolopolo, with call-ups based strictly on performance, commitment, and national pride.

NSCZ CEO Sombwa Musunsa applauded government support and outlined five priority areas: governance, athlete safeguarding, infrastructure access, capacity development, and sustainable financing. He said resolutions will inform the National Action Plan for Sustainable Football Development.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba described the gathering as historic, noting it unites different generations of football minds. He linked the struggles of the senior men’s team to weaknesses in youth structures, stressing the need for a coordinated ecosystem from grassroots to elite level.

Mweemba also highlighted the decline in sponsorship, expressing hope that the indaba will unlock new funding avenues. He underscored the importance of reviving youth academies such as Chiparamba, EduSport, AfriSport, and Bauleni United Sports Academy.