With just a day to go before the crucial Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections for seats on the FIFA Council, the contest has intensified, with some of the continent’s most influential football administrators locked in a high-stakes battle. The race for five men’s slots and one female seat promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years as contestants and delegates have arrived in Cairo ahead of Wednesday’s close elections. Among the heavyweights vying for positions are Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, Senegal’s Augustin Senghor and Egypt’s Hany Hassan Abou Rida—each with vast experience and strong political backing. They are joined by Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), Mathurin De Chacus (Benin), Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger), Suleiman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti), Idris Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), and Andrew Kamanga (Zambia). In the women’s category, Isha Johansen, former Sierra Leone FA president and a current FIFA Council member, faces a stiff challenge from Kanizat Ibrahim, the current vice president of CAF from Comoros. Lobbying in Overdrive Behind the scenes at the Marriott Hotel in Cairo, intense lobbying is shaping the final days before the vote. With regional alliances playing a critical role, candidates are engaging in last-minute negotiations to secure crucial votes. Lekjaa, known for his close ties with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is seen as a front-runner. However, the inclusion of Senghor, a seasoned FIFA insider with extensive influence, adds an unpredictable twist. Amaju Pinnick, who has served on the FIFA Council , is mounting a strong cre-election bid. Similarly, Senegal’s Senghor, who was a key contender for the CAF presidency in 2021 before stepping aside for Motsepe, is another strong contender. Nuhu Adams
As the season approaches its climax both in Zambia and abroad, clubs and supporters are firmly looking at possibilities of reaching their respective targets. On course for some and mixed bag for others one thing remains certain, the run toward end that is fast approaching will be grueling. It’s tight both at the top and at the bottom and penetrating to get the much-desired satisfaction from the season’s exertions may not come easily. In the final stretch, an almighty lot will be asked of on all ends but at this stage of the season, success or lack thereof may primarily hinge on some fine little details. Below I do a quickfire delve. DEPTH IN QUALITY – universally seen to be more around quantity and maybe rightly so, but quantity without quality won’t give you much. Negotiating a way to the top and staying there will demand a lot of quality. Instructions from coaches (Clarity of thought too), executions from players, detail from the support staff and management of matches has to be of the highest level. RIGHT ROTATIONS – fact is, considering the amount of games that have been played so far, the players are tired and it will only get worse. On another score, it is often believed that coaches must rotate squads to keep them fresh. While this may be true, it is something that must be managed accordingly for the sake of rhythm and telepathy. Like it or not, changes will always affect how a team performs and too many be fatal. That is the reason why at the very top, a team always has around 15-16 players that always play and not all fringe players get the action no matter the load. After all, the finale is not a charity procession for giving free rides. Appearances must be earned. Masseurs and Physios will just have to work overtime. Also, teams will hope for better luck with injuries some of which is self-made really. WINNING MENTALITY – first, the teams must believe that whatever they seek is doable then go on do what it will take to make that a reality. Presence of those that have done it before in a team may give an advantage but even for those that don’t have such individuals, they must tune their minds to it. A few other matters like general management, fan support, match to match preparation ways and alike may determine the winners from the rest. After all, winning isn’t just about trophies but also about getting that which you set out for and even when you don’t, the lessons along the way be invaluable for future successes. This should have been quickfire and lest I go against my own words, I end with reminding you that teams are at a point where their aspirations may die or be brought to life and for all this, the difference may be in how they manage and give the final push. By Franklyn M Malambo
The Chipolopolo have arrived in Moscow ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly match with Russia at the VTB Arena. Coach Avram Grant says his squad is upbeat despite some notable absentees due to injuries and travel challenges from some destinations. The team arrived at around 10:00 hours local time and are due for their first training session later in the evening. Grant says the squad is largely the same that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations amidst several injury problems. The Chipolopolo will use the game against Russia to remain active after their opponents in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers Eritrea and Congo Brazzaville withdrew and were suspended respectively. By FAZ Media
The Zambia Senior Men’s National Team has left for Moscow for the March 25 FIFA international friendly match with Russia. A 19-member squad comprising a mix of foreign and local based players left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard Ethiopian Airlines. Skipper Lubambo Musonda and England based Patson Daka will miss out due to injury and work permit renewal situation. Lecce’s Lameck Banda has been left out as he is yet to fully return to fitness after a long injury lay off. With Eritrea withdrawing from the World Cup qualifiers and Congo Brazzaville suspended by FIFA, Zambia was left without a game during the March window. FULL SQUAD (GOALKEEPERS) Toaster Nsabata (Zesco United), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers) (DEFENDERS) Gift Mphande (Rishon-LeZion-Israel), Benedict Chepeshi, (Zesco United), Kabaso Chongo (Kabwe Warriors), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kebson Kamanga (Red Arrows) (MIDFIELDERS) Miguel Chaiwa (Young Boys), Dominic Kanda, Wilson Chisala, Kelvin Kapumbu (all Zanaco), Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai-Saudi Arabia), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel), Clatous Chama (Young Africans-Tanzania), (STRIKERS) Edward Chilufya (Midtylland-Denmark), Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva-Israel), Kennedy Musonda (Young Africans-Tanzania), Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland)