FAZ President Keith Mweemba says Zambian football is entering a new phase with the rebuilding process gaining momentum.
Speaking at the FAZ Lusaka Province Annual General Meeting at the Government Complex on Sunday, Mweemba said signs of improvement were already evident across the game.
“There are already encouraging signs that our football is entering a new phase. This transition, though gradual is beginning to show promise,” Mweemba said.
Mweemba cited the Chipolopolo’s friendly against World Champions Argentina and the participation of a locally assembled side at the Mukuru Four Nations tournament as clear evidence of the rebuilding process of Chipolopolo.
He explained that the transition has not left out the women and youth teams, with greater emphasis on exposure and long-term development.
“Our Copper Queens are set to travel to Brazil for the FIFA Series, another important opportunity to test ourselves and continue building a competitive squad. Our Under 15 boys and girls national teams are not only representing Zambia but also COSAFA at the CAF African schools Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe,” Mweemba said further.
He also addressed concerns over financial grants and equipment, which have been raised by stakeholders.
“I am aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding grants and the distribution of equipment,” Mweemba said. “We are working towards putting in place a more structured, transparent, and accountable system that will ensure that support reaches the intended beneficiaries in a consistent and sustainable manner,” he added.
Mweemba urged unity in the game, saying divisions have been slowing down progress, and stressed the need for discipline and cooperation as football moves through what he described as a new phase.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Joe Kalusa underscored football’s central role in national life, describing it as a unifying force with deep social and economic impact.
“Football in Zambia commands a large following, making it the most popular sport, close to a religion. It brings us together as one big happy family,” he said.
Kalusa said government recognises the football’s value beyond the pitch, particularly in providing opportunities for young people and steering them away from social ills. He said football continues to play a key role in keeping youths engaged and productively occupied.
Kalusa also commended FAZ for strengthening governance and administration through platforms such as the provincial annual general meetings as they promote accountability and collective decision-making among stakeholders.
He further said recent achievements by the Chipolopolo and the Copper Queens, as well as growing structures in women’s football at grassroots level, reflect the impact of sustained investment and support, with government pledging to continue backing the development of the game.
And FAZ Lusaka Province chairperson Jordan Maliti said the provincial assembly reflects growing adherence to governance standards and structured football development.
“This gathering here today signifies a milestone in the adherence to good governance practices being observed in the running of football, not only in Lusaka Province, but in the Republic of Zambia,” he said.
Maliti said the provincial structure has strengthened grassroots systems and given a clear pathway for talent identification and nurturing across multiple age groups, from junior levels to elite competition.
He also warned against practices that undermine development and added that lower divisions must remain focused on grooming players rather than short-term success, as the province works to build a sustainable pipeline for national teams.
