The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially appointed experienced football administrator Charles Chakatazya as the new General Secretary with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued by FAZ, Chakatazya takes over from Machacha Shepande, who has left the association on mutual terms after accepting an international assignment.
FAZ has also confirmed Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary following his period serving in an acting capacity.
The appointments were approved during a FAZ Executive Committee meeting held in Lusaka on May 25, 2026.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba congratulated both officials on their appointments and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute positively to the growth and administration of Zambian football.
“Today, the Executive Committee of the Football Association of Zambia met to deliberate on the appointment of the new General Secretary and the confirmation of Mr. Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary following his acting role,” Mweemba said.
“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to congratulate Mr. Charles Chakatazya and Mr. Iva Lengwe on their appointments,” he added.
Mweemba described Chakatazya as a highly respected football administrator with extensive experience both locally and internationally.
“Mr. Chakatazya is a well-known football administrator who has served the game diligently at both local and international level,” Mweemba stated.
Before joining FAZ, Chakatazya previously served as Chief Executive Officer for top Zambian clubs including Nkana Football Club, Kabwe Warriors, and NAPSA Stars.
FAZ believes his experience managing some of Zambia’s leading Super League clubs will greatly benefit Football House.
Apart from his football administration background, Chakatazya is also a member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) and possesses strong academic qualifications.
He holds:
A Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from Mulungushi University
A Diploma in Accounting from Evelyn Hone College
Additionally, he earned a FIFA Diploma in Club Management in Zurich, a Certificate in Senior Leadership Development from the University of Cape Town, and is currently pursuing the CAF Executive Football Management Programme.
Meanwhile, FAZ President Keith Mweemba thanked outgoing General Secretary Machacha Shepande for his contribution to Zambian football during his tenure at Football House.
“I wish to thank Mr. Machacha Shepande for the service he rendered to the game and wish him well in his new endeavours. Even as he leaves, he remains an important member of the football family,” Mweemba said.
The statement was issued by Nkweto Tembwe, Head of Media and Communications at the Football Association of Zambia.
