Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) women’s representative, Colonel Priscilla Katoba, has commended former National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Mirriam Moyo and former vice-president Hazel Kennedy for their pioneering contributions to sports administration.
Katoba, who is vying for the NOCZ vice-presidency in this Saturday’s elective annual general meeting, also praised NOCZ president Alfred Foloko for his exceptional leadership at both national and international levels.
She congratulated Foloko on his unopposed re-election as NOCZ president and his recent election as the third vice-president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) during the Elective General Assembly held in Algiers, Algeria.
“I would like to appreciate Mrs. Mirriam Moyo, the former president of NOCZ. She is a great woman who laid the foundation for women’s leadership in key positions. She remains one of my mentors,” Katoba stated.
Moyo, who served the NOCZ in various capacities—including as a member, treasurer, secretary general, and vice-president before being elected president in 2005—was recognized for her significant contributions to the Olympic movement in Zambia until 2017.
Katoba also acknowledged Hazel Kennedy for her inclusive leadership style, emphasizing the impact Kennedy had on her professional growth.
“I worked with her during her tenure as vice-president of the NOCZ, and I truly enjoyed being under her leadership. She guided me in many ways, even without realizing it. If I am successful this weekend, I know where to start,” she said.
In addition, Katoba praised Foloko’s inclusive leadership approach and his commitment to gender sensitivity.
“His leadership style is second to none. As service personnel in the defense and security sector, we uphold discipline and respect for leadership, and I believe I will work well under his guidance at NOCZ,” she remarked.
Ahead of the elections, Katoba urged sports federation leaders to support her candidacy, pledging to embrace all sporting disciplines equally and to provide effective leadership.
“I encourage them to vote for Colonel Priscilla Katoba. I promise not to disappoint. I am a tested and proven leader with an unquestionable track record,” she assured.
Expressing confidence in her chances, Katoba highlighted her extensive experience in sports administration, from managing the Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club to establishing her own sports academy and representing women’s football at the national level.
“NOCZ requires leadership with integrity because it is the governing body of all sports disciplines in the country. Athletes need guidance and mentorship throughout their careers, and I am committed to supporting them,” she added.
Katoba emphasized her alignment with Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, asserting that her extensive experience in sports, culture, and education makes her well-suited for the vice-presidency.
“Olympism is about promoting sports, culture, and education to build a better world. This has been my focus throughout my career, and I am confident that, with a larger platform, I can make a greater impact in the lives of many athletes,” she stated.
Katoba is set to contest the NOCZ vice-presidency against Mwengwe Kakoma, the immediate past president of the Zambia Amateur Volleyball Association, in what promises to be a closely contested election.