Tag Archives: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

Regional, Sports

Zambia FA reaffirms Copper Queens’ Participation in 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship

Shaffie A Mtambo

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially confirmed that the Copper Queens will participate in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship slated for February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.

FAZ Head of Media and Communications, Nkweto Tembwe, said the association has already written to COSAFA to formally communicate Zambia’s participation in this year’s regional tournament.

The confirmation follows reports circulating on social media suggesting that Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle would not be involved in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, claims which FAZ has strongly dismissed.

Tembwe explained that the confusion arose due to the Copper Queens’ commitments during the FIFA international window, which will see the team engaged in high level matches in the United Arab Emirates.

He said coach Hauptle will retain the core of the national team for the international assignment, while a different squad will be assembled to represent Zambia at the COSAFA tournament.

According to Tembwe, the COSAFA squad will mainly consist of locally based players, complemented by selected players from the Under-17, Under-20 and senior national teams.

He clarified that during her interaction with journalists at the Met Sports Centre in Lusaka, coach Hauptle did not rule out participation in COSAFA, contrary to what was reported online.

Instead, the coach highlighted the need to manage the squad strategically to allow key players to focus on preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Tembwe reiterated that FAZ places equal importance on all competitions, noting that tournaments like COSAFA play a crucial role in the growth and development of football.

He said the hybrid COSAFA squad will offer an opportunity to assess more players for possible future inclusion in the senior national team.

Tembwe also revealed that coach Hauptle may not be physically present at the tournament, as another coach could be assigned to lead the team in Polokwane.

However, he emphasized that Hauptle will closely monitor the COSAFA Championship as part of the broader technical plan for the Copper Queens.

Regional, Sports

CAF cracks down on CHAN misconduct: Zambia, Kenya, and Morocco fined

Shaffie A Mtambo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued heavy fines to several teams participating in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) following breaches of competition regulations.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has been ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 (approximately MK8.6 million) after the head coach of the Zambian national team, Avram Grant, failed to attend a mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against the Republic of Congo.

According to CAF’s competition rules, attendance at official press conferences is compulsory, and any failure to comply is considered a serious offence.

Kenya has been hit with a far larger penalty, a $50,000 fine, for breaching safety and security regulations during their CHAN fixture against Morocco.

CAF did not disclose full details, but reports indicate that incidents in the stands and pitch perimeter were at the heart of the sanction.

The continental body has also issued a stern warning to Kenya, stating that if such incidents occur again, the remaining matches in the country could be moved to neighboring Tanzania, which is a co-host for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Morocco has also been punished, receiving a $5,000 fine for its role in the disturbances during the same match against Kenya.

CAF has given all three federations 60 days to settle the fines. Failure to do so could result in further disciplinary action, including possible suspension from future CAF competitions.

The African Nations Championship (CHAN), which features national teams made up exclusively of players competing in their domestic leagues, has been underway with high intensity, but CAF’s latest decisions serve as a reminder that discipline and order remain a top priority in African football.

Regional, Sports

Zambia risk hefty CAF fine after coach Avram Grant skips pre-match media duties

Shaffie A Mtambo

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is staring down a potential $10,000 fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after national team head coach Avram Grant failed to attend a mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of Zambia’s opening African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash against DR Congo.

Journalists, who had gathered at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi for the highly anticipated media briefing, were informed by CAF officials that the event had been abruptly cancelled due to the absence of the Zambian head coach.

Under CAF tournament regulations, all teams are required to present their head coaches for official press duties on the eve of matchday to promote transparency and engagement with the media.

Failure to comply attracts financial penalties, with minimum fines starting at $10,000.

While neither FAZ nor Grant has offered an explanation for the no-show, the incident has raised eyebrows, especially given the increasing importance CAF places on professionalism and accountability during international competitions.

Zambia are scheduled to face DR Congo in a high-stakes group stage match on Friday, but the build-up has now been clouded by administrative controversy that could overshadow the team’s on-field performance.

This is not the first time disciplinary measures have loomed over CHAN pre-match procedures, and CAF is reportedly expected to take swift action to maintain discipline among participating teams.

Law and order, Malawi, Regional, Sports

Zambia FA elective annual conference called off following court order

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The battle for the top seats in the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) continues, as a faction led by Humphrey Mwape Musonda successfully obtained a court order halting the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Livingstone.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed the cancellation of the AGM, stating that the association had been served with the court order through its legal representatives, Joseph Chirwa and Company.

“I can confirm that FAZ has been served with a court order from Lewis and Nathan Advocates, representing Humphrey Mwape Musonda. Additionally, there is a pending court action filed by Elijah Chileshe and Blackwell Siwale, seeking to restrain FAZ from proceeding with the conference,” Kamanga stated.

“With all parties being represented by the same legal counsel, FAZ has been left with no choice but to call off the AGM. Members will be advised in due course on the next steps.”

The postponement comes despite the presence of high-level delegations from global and continental football governing bodies.

“On Friday, FIFA dispatched a delegation led by Deputy Chief Member Association Officer Gelson Fernandes, who was accompanied by FIFA’s Senior Member Associations Governance Manager, Ahmed Harraz.

CAF also sent key representatives, including Director of the Member Association Division Sarah Mukuna and Director of Legal Affairs Felix Majani.

At the regional level, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) deployed its Executive Director, Sue Destombes, along with COSAFA Vice President and Chairman of Competitions, Timothy Shongwe.

The COSAFA officials arrived in Zomba on Friday afternoon in anticipation of the AGM.

FAZ is expected to provide further updates regarding the postponed conference in due course.

Regional, Sports

Zambia FA chief announces $25,000 support for CAF envoy

Maravi Post Reporter

…..FAZ opens talks on possible new broadcast deal

By Edwin Mbewe

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-FAZ president Andrew Kamanga says the association will provide $25,000 dollars support for teams that will participate in CAF competitions.

Speaking when he officiated at the 2025 Zambian Premier League (ZPL) Annual General Meeting (AGM), Kamanga said FAZ would continue to provide technical support to clubs as demonstrated with handover of Global Positioning System equipment to all super league clubs.

The FAZ chief revealed that starting next season clubs that qualify for CAF competitions would receive a $50,000 package for qualification.

Kamanga said FAZ had already put in motion plans for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Zambian Super League next season.

“Our VAR project is already at an advanced stage with 40 VAR operators trained by Cosafa and FIFA. This project has been gradual since being piloted in an ABSA Cup final between Forest Rangers and MUZA,” he said.

Kamanga disclosed that FAZ was in talks with a leading broadcast company to replace SuperSport who will exit the Zambian market at the end of the current season.

“FAZ is in talks with a broadcast partner that should replace SuperSport. We have incorporated local partners and other content producers to make the deal more dynamic,” he said.

The FAZ president said the association would franchise the marketing of the KoPa brand and products to the ZPL in order to allow clubs to obtain the full range of products.

And Katongo said the de-linking of ZPL from FAZ had dawned a new era in the Zambian game.

“The de-linking of the Zambian Premier League from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) marked a new era of autonomy for the league, allowing us to focus on enhancing the league by professionalising and commercialising it. We remain committed to ensuring that this process is conducted seamlessly, with a clear framework that benefits all stakeholders,” he said.

Katongo said financial stability would be critical in taking the ZPL to the next level.

“On the Financial side, financial stability is crucial for the sustainability of the league, and I am pleased to report that we have met all our financial commitments and intend to even do more,” he said.

“We have successfully paid all teams in the four leagues. This achievement reflects our dedication to professionalism and accountability in football administration.”

Regional, Sports

FIFA warns Zambia FA over Govt interference, reaffirms Kamanga’s leadership

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has reaffirmed that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Executive Committee will remain in office until the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for March 29, 2025, in Livingstone.

In a letter dated March 13, 2025, addressed to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, directed that all upcoming elective regional general meetings must be chaired by their respective chairpersons.

The world football governing body also announced that it will soon release a list of its representatives who will travel to Zambia to oversee the elective AGM.

“We refer to our letter dated March 5, 2025, in which we reminded you of FAZ’s obligation to manage its own affairs independently and without undue interference from third parties.

“We also explained that the establishment of a transitional committee, as proposed by the Director/CEO of the National Sports Council of Zambia, would put FAZ at risk of breaching this statutory obligation,” the letter reads in part.

FIFA emphasized that as the FAZ Elective Ordinary Congress approaches, the FAZ Executive Committee must continue to fulfill its statutory roles and obligations without interference.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all elective regional general meetings scheduled between March 15 and March 27, 2025, must be chaired by their respective regional chairpersons,” FIFA stated.

The governing body further confirmed that Andrew Kamanga remains the FAZ President and must preside over the AGM on March 29.

“Additionally, the FAZ Annual General Meeting must be chaired by the President, Mr. Andrew Kamanga, and attended by the FAZ Executive Committee, in accordance with FAZ statutes and regulations.”

FIFA has instructed FAZ to share the letter with all relevant parties and assured that it will continue monitoring the situation closely.

“We will take appropriate actions as necessary and will send envoys to Zambia to observe the AGM and oversee developments in the interim,” FIFA added.