The Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ) has called on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to prioritize the welfare of professional footballers by implementing standard contracts and introducing a minimum wage across all professional leagues.
In a recent interview, FAWUZ president Sandras Kumwenda emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect and empower Zambian footballers.
“We call for the consideration and implementation of standard contracts for our professionals and a minimum wage for those in the professional leagues,” Kumwenda stated.
Kumwenda also urged FAZ to provide insurance coverage for players to cushion them against the risk of career-threatening injuries. He highlighted the importance of introducing a pension scheme for footballers to safeguard their livelihoods post-retirement.
“A pension scheme would help secure the welfare of players once they retire from the game,” he said.
The FAWUZ president further called on FAZ to expedite the resolution of pending disciplinary cases, stressing that delays in justice adversely affect players.
“We want to see the disposal of cases quickly because justice delayed for the player is justice denied,” Kumwenda stressed.
In addition, FAWUZ wants representation on the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) board.
“We demand that both FAZ and the ZPL include FAWUZ on the ZPL board ” Kumwenda concluded.
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