The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has launched a 44-member ad hoc committee tasked with developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the future of Zambian football. FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande says the initiative aims to modernise the administration of football in the country, making it more efficient, accountable, and aligned with global best practices. The committee comprises individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and extensive football experience, ensuring the strategic roadmap is inclusive, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of the sport at all levels.
Shepande emphasised that drafting a strategic plan is a critical undertaking requiring highly qualified personnel with in-depth knowledge of Zambian football. “In an effort to give our football a new lease of life, we have identified a group of highly qualified personalities with wide football knowledge to draft a strategic plan for FAZ,” he said. He explained that the FAZ Executive Committee deliberated over several issues affecting the sport during a two-day session, identifying the creation of a strategic plan as a priority. The aim is to leverage decades of expertise to set clear development objectives and establish mechanisms for accountability.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba has committed to rebooting Zambian football through a coherent development plan aligned with his 10-year strategic vision. According to Shepande, modern governance standards require every institution to operate within a strategic framework that defines short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Without a plan, it becomes difficult to hold an organisation accountable. The forthcoming document will integrate insights from the Mweemba manifesto, outcomes of the Football Indaba, lessons from previous FAZ strategic plans, and statements issued by the Head of State following Zambia’s AFCON exit.
The strategic plan will address historical gaps while mapping the future of Zambian football. Shepande said it will be both reflective and corrective, ensuring the Association’s development trajectory aligns with national aspirations. “A vision without a plan remains a dream. The strategic plan will outline clear goals and pillars, which will form the basis for evaluating FAZ’s performance. The success of our national teams will remain a key performance indicator,” he added. The plan is expected to set benchmarks for operational efficiency, youth development, women’s football, and overall institutional growth.
The ad hoc committee includes eight FAZ Executive Committee members, four Secretariat officials, thirteen Provincial Executive members, and a range of experts and stakeholders from across the football and sports ecosystem. Key members include FAZ President Keith Mweemba, Vice President Mutale Ngandu, General Secretary Machacha Shepande, ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe, and CAF Instructor Honour Janza. Other participants include football administrators, sports journalists, analysts, and representatives from COSAFA, ZASSA, and the University of Zambia.
The committee will work collaboratively to produce a strategic plan that aligns Zambian football with international standards while remaining sensitive to local realities. The initiative seeks to strengthen governance, enhance operational effectiveness, and provide a long-term roadmap for sustainable football development in Zambia. By drawing on the expertise of seasoned professionals, the plan aims to transform the administration of the sport, foster accountability, and position Zambian football for both regional and global competitiveness.