The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has called off the Chipolopolo’s scheduled international friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia initially set for 6 and 10 June in Morocco. FAZ President Keith Mweemba confirmed the cancellation at a press briefing held at Football House, describing the situation as deeply regrettable but unavoidable due to a combination of logistical setbacks, unresolved player grievances and inherited financial obligations. Speaking at a press briefing held at Football House, Mweemba said the decision to cancel the matches was not taken lightly, but became unavoidable due to “serious and unfortunate occurrences” that compromised the team’s ability to travel and represent the nation with unity and discipline. Zambia was scheduled to play Sudan and Tunisia on 6 and 10 June 2025, respectively, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, a number of players declined to travel, citing unpaid allowances from their previous outing in Russia and other outstanding dues. “Certain individuals, including some players refused to travel citing issues around unpaid allowances. These are issues we inherited but have a duty to address. Still, no one has ever been forced to wear the national shirt. If you choose to do so, you must understand what it means to represent the eagle and the flag,” Mweemba said. “This jersey represents 20 million people. It is not for sale and cannot be held hostage. The national team is not a playground for boycotts or power games. While players have a right to fair treatment, patriotism must never wait for payment.” Mweemba also sent a stern warning to those allegedly sabotaging the national team from behind the scenes. “We have credible information about deliberate interference from individuals with vested interests. This is your first and final warning. If found culpable, you will face disciplinary action, and where necessary, legal prosecution.” Mweemba said. The FAZ boss revealed that the association is facing severe financial distress, with debts amounting to over K100 million, including unpaid hotel bills in countries such as Egypt, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia. “The coffers are dry, that’s a fact, but we will not point fingers. FAZ is an institution with perpetual succession. It is our responsibility to fix what we have inherited,” Mweemba said. Mweemba emphasized that representing Zambia is a privilege, not a right, and called for discipline and accountability at all levels of the game. “If your loyalty to Zambia is conditional, then this door may not be yours to walk through again. We will move forward with or without those who believe the national team is a bargaining chip,” Mweemba said. He referenced Zambia’s recovery after the 1993 Gabon air disaster as a reminder of the nation’s footballing spirit and resilience. Mweemba assured the media that the association remains in contact with Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and fully supports his technical programme despite the recent disruptions. “We are committed to supporting the coach in all his programmes for CHAN, AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. He will have the full backing of this administration,” Mweemba said. “Zambia is bigger than all of us. This is a footballing nation, and we know what it takes to run football. Our glory days will return, whether anyone likes it or not. Those who put money before patriotism have no place in this team.” FAZ
Power Dynamos defender Samuel Bamidele says there will be no divided loyalty when his club Power Dynamos hosts Rivers United from his home country Nigeria tomorrow (Saturday). Speaking during the pre-match press conference for the CAF Champions League Group A match between Power Dynamos and Rivers United, Bamidele said the Zambian champions would aim to collect their first maximum points in the group stage. “Playing against my home country team is part of my job, they (Rivers United) also came to do their job and I have to do mine tomorrow. We know what is stake; we will do all we can to get a victory,” he says. Bamidele says although he knows about the Nigerian league and players what will be key will be Power Dynamos’ preparations for tomorrow’s game. “Yes I have played them, I know them but it our preparations that will make us win the game,” he says. “Every game is there for us to win, especially as champions from last season.” He has appealed to fans to turn up in numbers and support the Zambian Super League champions. “They should come and support us, and in return we will give them what they want,” he says. Power Dynamos and Rivers United of Nigeria will be hoping to resuscitate their flagging Champions League campaign tomorrow when they face each other at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. RS Berkane and reigning champions Pyramids are in joint top position with six points while Rivers United and Power Dynamos are winless sharing third and fourth position respectively. Power Dynamos has announced various selling points for tickets in Ndola and Kitwe among them Ravens Country Club, Power Dynamos secretariat, Arthur Davies Stadium, Tresmos Pleasure resort while in Ndola the selling point is Sijonamoro Investment along Broadway and Skyprint. Tickets are going at K20 (East, North and South), K30 (West Wing) and K200 (VIP). By FAZ Media
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has praised Malian football legend Frédéric Kanouté for his continued contribution to African football and expressed the association’s willingness to collaborate in player development. Mweemba said this when Kanouté paid a courtesy call on him at Football House in the company of Kafue Celtic proprietor Lee Kawanu. Welcoming Kanouté, Mweemba said FAZ does not take his involvement in Zambian football for granted adding that the former Sevilla and Mali star could easily have focused his efforts solely on Mali. “We are glad to have you at football House, We see what you are doing for Kafue Celtic and Zambia and we shall never take your actions for granted. You could have chosen to focus on on Mali, but your contribution to Africa and in particular Zambia is outstanding” said Mweemba. Mweemba reaffirmed the association’s willingness to partner with Kanouté’s firms, 12 Management and Nofama Consultancy, to accelerate football development in the country. “We want to work with you and we are ready to partner with your initiatives to grow the game and have Zambia compete successfully at the highest level.” And in responding to the welcome, Kanoute said he was pleased to be in Zambia, which he described as his second home. “I have been working with Lee for over ten years and I am glad that just like other Zambians, Lee is willing to learn. I am encouraged by how open many Zambians are to learning new ideas and for this I am willing to extend my initives beyond Kafue Celtics.” Said Kanouté. Meanwhile, Kawanu said he has never restricted Kanouté to working only with Kafue Celtic but would be willing to see other teams take advantage of the Malian football icon’s presence in Zambia. Kawanu admitted that the Kanouté’s efforts have delivered notable success at Kafue Celtic. “We need to have more teams with the highest of standards so that competition is enhanced.” Kawanu said. FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande told Kanouté that the association is in the process of rolling out a strategic plan that will outline a clear football development pathway for Zambian football. Shepande lamented the lack of structured development pathways from the lower ranks to high-performance centres. During the visit, Kanouté was also presented with a KoPa jersey bearing his name and his famous number 12. Later, Kanouté interacted with FAZ executive committee members during a tea break from their meeting at Football House.
Power Dynamos coach Oswald ‘Mourinho’ Mutapa is hoping the three-game domestic winning streak replicates itself on the continental stage as his club hosts Rivers United of Nigeria in the CAF Champions League Group A match on Saturday. Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match, Mutapa said his squad was looking to recording their first win the group stage after suffering two successive defeats. “We have had three local games in which we have been victorious in all and it has given us improvement in terms of game fitness and you know we played the three games in a space of one week. So we are able to rotate our players so that they have mileage in their legs as we go into tomorrow’s game and we are ready,” he says. “We are going in minus any point with us and that gives us impetus to go and work out very hard and get the results that we require.” He however expressed worry over the conversion rate from his squad from the numerous created chances. “Playing our three local games has given us confidence especially that we haven’t conceded and we have scored in all the games, but of course what is the scoring rate? This is a team that is creating more than 10 chances in a game but our scoring ratio is not all that good but not conceding gives us confidence,” he says. “If we keep it tight at the back at least we are able to get a goal or two but we are very much aware that it won’t be an easy game. We lost 3-0 and 1-0 in the previous continental games but we picked the performance against the Pyramids here at home where we showed character, we left our soles on the field of play, created chances we did not score and that was something that we regretted.” The Zambian league champions are leading the local charts but have yet to replicate that form on the continental stage. Mutapa says Power Dynamos has monitored Rivers United through various technological platforms. Power Dynamos and Rivers United will be hoping to resuscitate their flagging Champions League campaign tomorrow when they face each other at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. RS Berkane and reigning champions Pyramids are in joint top position with six points while Rivers United and Power Dynamos are winless sharing third and fourth position respectively. Power Dynamos has announced various selling points for tickets in Ndola and Kitwe among them Ravens Country Club, Power Dynamos secretariat, Arthur Davies Stadium, Tresmos Pleasure resort while in Ndola the selling point is Sijonamoro Investment along Broadway and Skyprint. Tickets are going at K20 (East, North and South), K30 (West Wing) and K200 (VIP). Kickoff is at 15h00. By FAZ Media