Lusaka, Zambia – April 26, 2026 – The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that all its provincial offices across the country will hold commemorative activities on April 28, 2026, in honour of the victims of the Gabon Air Disaster, one of the darkest moments in Zambia’s football history.
In a press statement issued from Football House in Lusaka, FAZ said the move follows a directive from FAZ President Keith Mweemba, who called for a unified and dignified nationwide remembrance during the FAZ Eastern Province Annual General Meeting held last week.
FAZ Calls for Unified National Remembrance
FAZ described the Gabon Air Disaster as a painful chapter that continues to live in the hearts of Zambians, stating that the players and officials who died did so in service to the nation.
“The Gabon Air Disaster remains one of the most painful chapters in our Zambian football history. The players and officials who lost their lives did so in service to the nation. Their sacrifice must remain firmly etched in our collective memory,” FAZ stated.
The association has since guided all provincial offices to organise simple but meaningful activities that allow communities to take part in the remembrance.
Suggested Activities for April 28, 2026
FAZ has encouraged the public to participate through various activities including:
Moments of silence in schools, markets, workplaces, and public spaces
Candle-lighting and small vigils at central points such as churches
Short church services or interfaith prayers
Community clean-up exercises in honour of the fallen heroes
Radio and media tributes, including remembrance messages and reflections throughout the day
FAZ said these activities will ensure the heroes are remembered with dignity and unity across the nation.
FAZ Urges Families to Stay United
FAZ also appealed to the families of the victims to remain united in preserving the legacy of their loved ones, noting that although time has passed, the bond created by the sacrifice remains a shared pride for Zambia.
Call to Restore Heroes Acre at Independence Stadium
The football governing body further urged the corporate sector to partner with FAZ in restoring and improving the Heroes Acre at Independence Stadium, which serves as the resting place for the fallen football heroes.
FAZ stressed that it is not enough to honour the victims with words while their resting place does not reflect the respect they deserve.
“It is not enough to honour them in words while their resting place falls short of the reverence they deserve,” the statement read.
FAZ Appeals to National Museums Board
FAZ also called on the National Museums Board to take renewed interest in the Heroes Acre, emphasizing the importance of preserving the site as a national heritage landmark.
The association said the long-standing call to establish a memorial and museum dedicated to the fallen heroes must now be treated with urgency.
Zambia’s Football Family Encouraged to Remember with Purpose
FAZ concluded by encouraging Zambians to remember the fallen heroes with purpose, consistency and honour, adding that the nation owes it to the victims to ensure their legacy remains alive for generations to come.
The statement was issued by FAZ Head of Media and Communications, Nkweto Tembwe, on behalf of the Football Association of Zambia.
