Incumbent Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has dismissed those seeking to unseat him as opportunists aiming to benefit from the work of his administration.
Speaking at the launch of his re-election campaign on Saturday, Kamanga, who took over from Zambian football legend Kalusha Bwalya in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021, emphasized that he still has more to contribute to the growth and development of Zambian football.
“I believe I have yet more offer to help us to the next milestone on our march to being a top footballing nation,” he said. “Other candidates are free to make their cases to those privileged to vote and to the general public whose taxes help to finance our game and whose presence at our matches help create the conditions that make each visit to the stadium an experience to look forward to the young and old, men and women.”
His campaign, which focuses on fulfilling promises and stabilizing the game, also includes a goal to make FAZ financially independent by 2029.
The former Kabwe Warriors FC chairman, who is also running for a position on the FIFA Council, pointed to the solid foundation he has laid, noting that almost all of Zambia’s national teams have qualified for their respective age-level CAF tournaments. He added that the next step is to focus on winning trophies.
Where were you?— Asks Kamanga
Kamanga urged FAZ councilors not to change a “working team” at Football House, claiming that his challengers are merely opportunistic.
“You don’t change the working team. You only build on what you have. When we came in 2016, we didn’t have Africa Cup qualification. The team was already down. If you look at where we are; 2024, all teams have qualified. So people should come and just sit on the table and find all the food prepared?” Kamanga asked. “Why were they not there in 2016 When things were tough? Why didn’t they come in 2021 when we were winning? So they only show up in 2025 when everything is laid out. Interesting.”
FAZ elections will take place on March 29, with Kamanga being challenged by former FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala, Lusaka lawyer and FC MUZA proprietor Keith Mweemba, former Chipolopolo vice-captain Emmanuel Munaile and FAZ executive committee member Francis Hafwiti.
READ MORE: FAZ Appeals Committee Overturns Kamanga’s Re-election, Clears Path for Four Others in Race
