FIFA has confirmed that other stakeholders are free to contribute to additional works at the newly rehabilitated Kasama Sports Stadium. The facility, one of five FIFA-funded rehabilitation projects in Zambia, underwent an inspection by FIFA and Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials to assess progress and identify remaining tasks.
FIFA Lead Regional Development Officer David Fani described the works completed at Kasama Stadium as satisfactory, while noting that some aspects still require attention. “The scope is there for other parties to come in, even after completion of the project, if there are still works to be done. Other parties can come in and assist the community to improve the facility,” Fani said.
The $300,000 rehabilitation budget allocated for Kasama included $142,076 for pitch installation, $127,751 for civil works, and $26,983 for consultancy services. Fani acknowledged that while the pitch installation was well executed, gaps in maintenance have caused some deterioration. He confirmed that the playing surface can be restored quickly with targeted work.
FAZ Northern Province chairperson Chikonde Mbalazi said the provincial leadership is inviting local partners to assist with works outside FIFA’s scope, including completing a larger dressing room added to the project. He encouraged civic leaders and the business community to contribute to finalizing the facility.
The FIFA-funded rehabilitation included upgrading the old dressing room, erecting a perimeter fence, constructing two ablution blocks, a ticketing office, and refurbishing the VIP sitting area. FAZ has provided 80 plastic chairs for the VIP area, which are ready for installation. Mbalazi confirmed that the pitch, though handed over by the contractor, needed rehabilitation after degeneration due to poor maintenance.
FAZ Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe, Head of Finance Owens Buntele, and Communications Manager Sydney Mungala joined FIFA officials during the site inspection. The Kasama Stadium is part of a broader FIFA initiative, alongside David Kaunda (Eastern Province), Independence (North Western), Kaole (Luapula), and the FAZ Accommodation Centre. Each project received $300,000, with the majority allocated to pitch installation.
The combined efforts of FIFA, FAZ, and local partners aim to ensure that Kasama Sports Stadium is fully functional, with quality infrastructure and a playable pitch ready to host sporting events for the community.