Football Association of Zambia President Keith Mweemba has completed a full round of engagements across all ten provinces, marking a key milestone in his leadership outreach ahead of the national Annual General Meeting set for Ndola this Saturday. His final stop was in Mongu, where he met FAZ Western Province delegates at Acamms Lodge and concluded a nationwide consultation process aimed at strengthening football governance and administration. The meetings have served as a platform to gather feedback, address concerns, and present strategic priorities for the future of Zambian football. His tour comes at a time when the association is seeking to stabilise its operations and rebuild confidence across the football ecosystem. The Western Province session effectively closed the provincial agenda and set the stage for national-level decision making.
A major announcement from Mweemba during the Mongu engagement was the creation of a Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee. This new adhoc structure is expected to lead efforts in generating revenue, attracting investment, and improving financial sustainability within the association. The committee will focus on identifying new commercial opportunities that can support the long term growth of the game. It will also work on strengthening partnerships that can bring consistent funding into football operations. Mweemba stated that the initiative is designed to directly address ongoing challenges related to grants and the supply of football kits. The goal is to reduce dependence on irregular funding streams and build a more stable financial base for the sport.
Mweemba emphasized that financial reform remains central to his leadership agenda. He explained that FAZ continues to deal with inherited financial challenges that require structured and innovative solutions. The introduction of the Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee is part of a broader strategy to ensure financial independence and improved service delivery to clubs and stakeholders. He noted that stronger revenue streams will allow FAZ to meet its obligations more consistently. This includes supporting competitions, improving logistics, and investing in development programs. According to him, financial stability is essential for sustainable growth in football administration.
Unity within the football community was another key message delivered during his address. Mweemba called for peace and cooperation across all levels of the game, stressing that division has long hindered progress in Zambian football. He encouraged stakeholders to focus on shared goals rather than differences that weaken the sport’s structure. His message also included a call for reconciliation, noting that efforts have already been made to engage former officials and lift certain sanctions affecting stakeholders. The emphasis on inclusivity reflects a wider attempt to rebuild trust within the football fraternity. He made it clear that progress will depend on collective responsibility and mutual respect.
At the same time, Mweemba cautioned that unity must be matched with discipline. He acknowledged the importance of constructive criticism but warned against behavior that damages the reputation of the game. His remarks highlighted the need for accountability among FAZ members and administrators at all levels. He stressed that professionalism must guide interactions within the association, especially as reforms continue to take shape. The balance between openness and discipline was presented as essential for maintaining order and credibility in football governance. His message aimed to reinforce standards while encouraging engagement.
Government and provincial leadership also used the Mongu platform to reinforce the importance of sports development in Western Province. Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta, represented by Provincial Sports Coordinator Nyirenda Chibeza, called for stronger sports structures and improved facilities. He urged football administrators to enhance provincial operations and focus more on youth development programs. The call reflects growing recognition of sport as a tool for empowerment and community development. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that provincial offices are fully functional and actively involved in nurturing young talent. This approach aligns with broader national goals of expanding sports participation.
FAZ Western Province Chairperson David Simwinga highlighted youth development as the foundation for long term football success. He stated that the province will prioritize structured development programs across all divisions to strengthen club performance and national competitiveness. Simwinga emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots football, particularly in schools and local communities. He noted that collaboration with district leaders and local clubs will be key to widening access to the sport. His vision focuses on building a strong pipeline of talent that can support both provincial and national teams. Development from the ground up was presented as a core strategy for sustainable progress.
Simwinga also committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in the administration of football within the province. He stressed that governance standards must remain high to ensure trust among stakeholders. His remarks reinforced the need for responsible management of resources and clear communication within the football system. By prioritizing integrity, the province aims to create a stable environment for growth and development. This commitment aligns with broader reforms being pursued at national level. It also reflects an effort to professionalize football administration across Zambia.
The completion of Keith Mweemba’s provincial tour signals a transition from consultation to implementation as FAZ prepares for its national AGM in Ndola. The discussions held across all ten provinces have brought key issues to the surface, including financial sustainability, governance, youth development, and infrastructure improvement. The establishment of the Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee stands out as a major step toward addressing financial challenges. At the same time, renewed calls for unity and discipline highlight the need for cohesion within the football community. As attention shifts to the national AGM, expectations are high that the resolutions reached will shape a more stable and progressive future for Zambian football.