The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Electoral Appeals Committee has ruled in favor of four candidates who filed nominations to challenge incumbent Andrew Kamanga for the presidency.
Meanwhile, former FAZ executive committee member Pivoty Simwanza caused havoc at Football House in Lusaka, threatening to manhandle secretariat staff after learning that his appeal was unsuccessful. Simwanza, who had intended to run for the position of vice-president, directed his frustration at FAZ president Kamanga and the secretariat staff.
Final Presidential Candidates
Following the committee’s ruling, the final lineup for the FAZ presidency includes:
- Andrew Kamanga (Incumbent)
- Francis Hafwiti
- Emmanuel Munaile
- Keith Mweemba
- Adrian Kashala
Candidates whose appeals were dismissed include Mumbo Lombe, Godfrey Chikumbi, and Alex Njobvu. Former FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande did not file an appeal.
The FAZ Appeals Committee, led by lawyers Mando Mwitumwa, Bridget Banda, and Karen Etondo, reviewed a total of 72 cases submitted by various candidates.
Successful Appeals and Next Steps
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga stated that the Electoral Appeals Committee’s rulings resulted in 48 successful appeals, including one for the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) slot that previously had no successful nominations.
“The FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee has concluded its sittings and formally notified all applicants of its decisions. Naturally, some appeals were successful while others were thrown out,” Kamanga said.
He reaffirmed FAZ’s commitment to the principle of separation of powers, allowing independent bodies to make decisions. Candidates still dissatisfied with the ruling have the option of seeking recourse with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Electoral Roadmap
The FIFA-approved electoral roadmap remains on schedule, with provincial elections set to begin on March 15, 2025. The election schedule is as follows:
- March 15: Southern Province
- March 16-19: Lusaka, Central, North Western (March 16, 17, 18, and 19 respectively)
- March 20-27: Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Western, and Eastern (March 20, 21, 22, 25, and 27 in that order)
The FAZ elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Livingstone on March 29 at Fairmount Hotel.
FAZ’s Electoral College comprises 86 delegates drawn from:
- Super League (18)
- National Division One (18)
- Provincial delegates (40)
- Women’s Super League (4)
- Six affiliated associations
Call for Peaceful Resolution
Amid tensions surrounding the elections, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga urged unsuccessful candidates to follow due process in seeking redress.
“The incident this morning (Thursday) where a prospective candidate and football administrator Pivoty Simwanza poured his anger at the FAZ president and secretariat staff is most unfortunate. Violence in this era can never be a mode of resolving conflict, especially for people aspiring to lead our football,” Kamanga said.
With the electoral process underway, all eyes are now on the upcoming provincial elections, as Zambia’s football leadership prepares for a pivotal moment in its governance structure.