The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially launched its Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee, marking a strategic move aimed at strengthening the financial backbone of Zambian football. The committee held its first meeting at Southern Sun Hotel, where Bridget Kambobe was elected as chairperson, with prominent lawyer Lewis Mosho appointed as her deputy. The formation of this committee reflects FAZ’s growing urgency to address long-standing financial challenges and reposition football as a sustainable economic sector. The initiative brings together experts from multiple industries to support fundraising, marketing, and commercial growth. It also signals a shift toward private sector involvement in the development of football in Zambia.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba said the committee was carefully designed to include professionals from banking, law, mining, telecommunications, media, marketing, finance, and policy. He explained that this diversity of expertise is expected to unlock new revenue streams and strengthen the association’s commercial capacity. Mweemba noted that football in Zambia has historically relied heavily on government support, which is no longer sufficient to meet growing operational demands. He stressed the need to reduce dependence on state funding by building strong private sector partnerships. According to him, the goal is to transform football into a viable industry that contributes to national economic development while also achieving success on the pitch.
Mweemba further emphasized that modern football operates as a global economic sector that requires strong business structures to remain competitive. He stated that Zambia must align itself with international standards by ensuring that football is backed by sustainable financial systems. He highlighted that success on the field must be supported by sound financial management off the field. He also explained that the committee has been tasked with expanding revenue generation, strengthening partnerships, and identifying new commercial opportunities. The broader objective is to build a financially stable football association that can operate independently and efficiently.
Newly elected chairperson Bridget Kambobe acknowledged the responsibility ahead and expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver results. She stated that the group has a significant task of restoring financial stability and supporting the long-term vision of FAZ. She encouraged members to remain focused and committed to achieving the set objectives. Her leadership is expected to guide the committee in coordinating efforts across different sectors to achieve the $30 million fundraising target. This target has been set for the committee’s two-year mandate and reflects the scale of ambition behind the initiative.
FAZ Head of Finance Owens Buntele presented a detailed overview of the association’s financial position, highlighting the severity of its cash flow challenges. He revealed that FAZ has experienced consistent financial deficits for more than a decade, with only a few exceptions. He noted that audited financial statements show recurring shortfalls that have placed pressure on operations. He also stated that annual expenditure has averaged around K200 million, while income has remained significantly lower. His presentation underscored the urgent need for structural financial reform and increased revenue generation.
Buntele added that the establishment of the committee represents a timely intervention aimed at stabilizing FAZ’s financial position. He explained that improving cash flow is essential to ensuring smooth operations across all levels of football administration in Zambia. He expressed optimism that the committee’s work would help address long-standing financial gaps. His remarks highlighted the seriousness of the challenges facing the football governing body and the need for coordinated action. He also stressed that sustainable solutions must focus on increasing income rather than only reducing costs.
The committee includes a wide range of professionals such as lawyers Milingo Lungu and Lewis Mosho, marketing expert Bridget Kambobe, presidential advisor Jito Kayumba, ABSA Managing Director Mizinga Melu, and other influential figures from sectors including mining, telecommunications, finance, and policy. Other members include representatives from MTN Fintech, Zamtel, KCM, KoBold Metals, and various business and sports backgrounds. The inclusion of such diverse expertise is intended to strengthen strategic planning and improve fundraising capacity. It also reflects FAZ’s intention to engage key economic sectors in supporting football development. The committee’s mandate includes reviewing commercial strategies, building partnerships, and supporting long-term financial sustainability.
The establishment of the FAZ Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee represents a major step toward reforming football administration in Zambia. It highlights a growing recognition that football must operate on strong financial foundations to thrive in the modern era. The focus on private sector collaboration, revenue generation, and financial discipline reflects a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the sport into a self-sustaining industry. If successfully implemented, the committee’s work could redefine how football is funded and managed in Zambia, while also contributing to broader economic development goals.