Aspiring Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Godfrey Chikumbi says he is the underdog in the race to be elected head of Football House.

Chikumbi, a journalist and teacher, was the first person to file nominations for the FAZ elections that will be staged next month in Livingstone.

He told journalists he had a high chance of overturning the tables because he is the underdog in the race.

“I have a lot of chances; one thing that I tell people is to say I am the underdog in this race; I am a new guy; I have nothing to lose,” Chikubi said. “I am just campaigning; people will lie to you that this guy has nothing to do; he is a bitter guy but I have shared our football blueprint.”

Meanwhile, the government has distanced itself from reports that it played a role in the withdrawal of former Chipolopolo skipper Kalusha Bwalya from the race.

Kalusha on Sunday announced that he would not file nominations for the FAZ job after initially indicating that he was interested in challenging incumbent Andrew Kamanga.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts has categorically dismissed reports alleging government interference in the upcoming FAZ elections scheduled for March 29, 2025.

“The FAZ elections are an independent process, and the government has no role in selecting or endorsing candidates. These matters should be handled by football stakeholders in line with FAZ and FIFA regulations. We remain committed to promoting transparency and fair play in all sports governance structures in Zambia,” Minister of Sport Elvis Nkandu stated.