President Hichilema turns to mining companies to help clear FAZ’s K140 million debt

President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to bring mining companies together to help clear the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) legacy debt of more than K140 million, which he said is holding back the development of the game.

Speaking at State House yesterday, where he hosted the Junior Chipolopolo after their victory at the Tier B FIFA U-15 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, the President said he would invite all mining houses to a meeting to raise funds for the association.

He said Zambia’s growing mining sector, now expanding into North-Western and Central provinces, offered a real opportunity to support football. “Our intention is to work with you and your team on a programme that ensures due attention is given to all the teams. But to do that, we have to grow the envelope,” he said.

President Hichilema said he had asked FAZ president Keith Mweemba to set out the association’s concerns in writing. He also urged FAZ to manage its resources more carefully once the debt is cleared, avoid new borrowing and invest in young players.

“Resources will always be scarce. So, yes, we will work together to dismantle the legacy debt, but we want to work with you to be more prudent and more focused,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said the debt had built up from the cost of running several national teams on limited income. He appealed for Government support for junior teams competing in COSAFA, CAF and FIFA tournaments, including the Under-17 women’s side, which has reached three consecutive FIFA World Cups.

Captain Simon Nyirenda thanked the President on behalf of the team, which beat Portugal 5-2 in the final under coach Brian Kunsanama.