Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Mr. Charles Chakatazya has held high level talks with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Mr. Kangwa Chileshe in Lusaka, marking an important step in strengthening cooperation between football authorities and Government. The courtesy call took place shortly after Mr. Chakatazya assumed office last month, signalling a renewed focus on coordination in the development of football in Zambia. The meeting brought together senior FAZ officials including Deputy General Secretary Mr. Iva Lengwe and Finance Manager Mr. Owen Buntele. Discussions centred on improving the structures that support both men’s and women’s football at national level. The engagement highlighted the shared responsibility between FAZ and Government in advancing the sport.
During the meeting, Mr. Chakatazya expressed appreciation for Government’s continued support towards football development across the country. He acknowledged the critical role that public investment and institutional backing play in strengthening national teams and domestic football structures. He noted that the partnership between FAZ and Government remains central to improving Zambia’s competitiveness on the international stage. The General Secretary stressed that collaboration is essential in building consistent performance for both the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens. His remarks reflected a commitment to deepening coordination in key areas such as funding, training, and competition readiness.
Mr. Chakatazya also provided updates on preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Zambia’s Copper Queens are expected to compete at a high level. He revealed that FAZ has organised a Four Nations Tournament as part of the team’s build up to the continental competition. The tournament will be hosted at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and will feature Zambia, Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. This arrangement is designed to give the national team competitive match practice ahead of the main tournament. It also offers technical staff an opportunity to assess squad depth and refine tactics under match conditions.
The emphasis on structured preparation reflects growing attention to women’s football development in Zambia. The Copper Queens have become one of the country’s most prominent teams on the continental stage, increasing expectations for strong performances in international competitions. The Four Nations Tournament is expected to test the team against varied playing styles, improving adaptability and cohesion. It also strengthens regional football ties through competitive engagement with neighbouring countries. FAZ views such tournaments as essential in bridging the gap between training and elite competition.
In response, Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe congratulated Mr. Chakatazya on his new appointment and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting FAZ. He emphasised that collaboration between the Ministry and the football governing body remains key to sustained progress in the sport. He assured FAZ of continued Government backing in areas that directly influence player development and national team success. His remarks reinforced the importance of unity in advancing Zambia’s football ambitions. The Ministry’s position reflects a long term focus on strengthening sport as a tool for national development.
Mr. Chileshe also called for thorough preparation of the Copper Queens ahead of WAFCON. He urged FAZ to ensure the team is not only participating but competing at the highest level with a clear ambition to succeed. He stressed that proper preparation, discipline, and technical readiness are necessary for achieving strong results at continental tournaments. His message highlighted expectations for performance driven outcomes supported by structured planning. This aligns with broader Government objectives of improving Zambia’s sporting reputation internationally.
The meeting between FAZ and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts demonstrates continued alignment between sports administrators and Government leadership. It reflects a shared understanding that football development requires coordinated planning, investment, and execution. The discussions also reinforced the importance of preparing national teams through structured competitive exposure and strategic partnerships. As Zambia looks ahead to WAFCON and other international engagements, the collaboration between FAZ and Government is expected to play a central role in shaping performance outcomes. The engagement marks another step in strengthening the foundation of Zambian football at both administrative and competitive levels.