By Martin Akende
As councilors in Western Province head to the polls to elect the FAZ Provincial leadership, they’re not only building a solid provincial foundation but also shaping the national football agenda for millions of fans and stakeholders.
This pivotal moment calls for reflection on the current administration’s notable achievements:
• Decentralization of Association Activities: Empowering provinces to take charge of their football destiny.
• Delinking of the Zambia Super League: A bold move towards a more autonomous and competitive league.
• Support for Over 700 Teams: A testament to the administration’s commitment to grassroots football development across the country.
• Aligning the League Calendar: Ensuring Zambia’s football schedule falls in line with international standards.
• Introduction of the Ionic Kopa Brand: A fresh identity for Zambian football, symbolizing innovation and progress.
Today, I’d like to highlight the Kopa Brand and women’s football, both of which have received significant support from Evans Kazonga, founder of the BuyZed Campaign.
Evans Ngoma, the founder of BuyZed, has praised Football Association of Zambia President Andrew Kamanga for his visionary leadership in growing local football and promoting the Kopa Brand.
According to Mr. Kazonga, the unique Kopa Jersey showcases Zambia’s rich mineral resources, embodying national pride.
He expressed BuyZed’s enthusiasm for endorsing the innovative Kopa Jersey initiative, calling for its continuation. This development is a testament to the revolutionary transformation Andrew Kamanga has brought to the sport.
The KoPa brand is a true mirror of patriotism and national pride and the fruits have been seen, the brand is a great innovation and initiative and should be embraced by every soccer loving Zambian.
On the other hand, Under Andrew Kamanga’s leadership, women’s football in Zambia has experienced a significant transformation at various levels.
According to Football Historian Daniel Kaoma, Kamanga has achieved more for women’s football than any of his predecessors. Kaoma highlights several notable accomplishments, including the Copper Queens’ participation in the Olympics twice under Coach Bruce Mwape.
The team also made history by competing in the Women’s World Cup in Japan. Additionally, the senior men’s team has won eight gold medals during Kamanga’s tenure, surpassing the seven medals won during Kalusha Bwalya’s presidency.
These achievements demonstrate Kamanga’s effective leadership and vision for Zambian football. As he seeks to deliver a financially independent FAZ by 2029, it’s clear that he deserves another term to build on the progress made so far.
