KAMANGA, MWEEMBA AND 3 OTHERS FIGHT GOES TO THE BALLOT
The fight for the top position at Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has now gone to the ballot after four candidates petitions were successful.
Eight candidates initially including the main Challenger Keith Mweemba had their nominations invalidated leaving incumbent Andrew Kamanga going Unopposed.
Now Kamanga who has geld the position for two consecutive terms will now have to face Lusaka renowned Lawyer Keith Mweemba and the other three candidates at the ballot.
The battle begins from the provinces on 15th March 2025 before the National vote at the end of the same month.
“After the committee’s ruling the final line up for the FAZ top job has incumbent Andrew Kamanga, Francis Hafwiti, Emmanuel Munaile, Keith Mweemba and Adrian Kashala'” reads the press release in parts below made available to Zambian Eye.
FAZ ELECTORAL APPEALS COMMITTEE UNVEIL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES…GS re-affirms FAZ respect of independent bodies
Press Statement
(For Immediate Release)
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka
27th February, 2025
APPEALS COMMITTEE CONFIRM FINAL FAZ ELECTIONS CANDIDATES…GS Re-affirms FAZ separation of powers mantra
Following the conclusion of sittings by the Electoral Appeals Committee, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform its members and stakeholders that the next step will be provincial elections that kickoff on March 15, 2025.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says the Electoral Appeals Committee presided over 72 cases that were filed before them by various candidates.
The decision by the FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee saw the successful appeal of four appellants at the presidential level bringing the number of candidates to five on the ballot.
Overall, 48 appeals were successful including the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) slot that had previously been without successful nominations.
“The FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee has concluded its sittings and formally notified all applicants of its decisions on the matters presented before it. Naturally, some appeals were successful while others were thrown out,” says Kamanga.
“FAZ embraces the principle of separation of powers which sees all the bodies make independent decisions. From now, those who still feel aggrieved can seek recourse with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”
The FIFA approved electoral roadmap remains on course with provincial elections set for March 15.
According to the schedule, provincial elections will start with Southern Province on March 15.
The next cycle will move to Lusaka, Central, North Western, and from March 16, 17, 18, and 19, respectively.
From there the action will see Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Western, and Eastern holding their elective conferences on March 20, 21, 22, 25, and 27 in that order.
The FAZ Appeals Committee is headed by lawyers Mando Mwitumwa, Bridget Banda and Karen Etondo.
After the committee’s ruling the final line up for the FAZ top job has incumbent Andrew Kamanga, Francis Hafwiti, Emmanuel Munaile, Keith Mweemba and Adrian Kashala.
The FAZ elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Livingstone on March 29 at Fairmount Hotel.
FAZ has an Electoral College of 86 drawn MTN Super League (18), National Division One (18), provincial delegates (40), Women Super League (4) and six affiliated associations.
Meanwhile Kamanga has advised candidates whose nominations had fallen through to use peaceful means of seeking recourse as provided for in the FAZ and FIFA statutes.
“The incident this morning (Thursday) where a prospective candidate and football administrator Pivoty Simwanza poured his anger at the FAZ president and secretariat staff is most unfortunate. Violence in this era can never be a mode of resolving conflict especially for people aspiring to lead our football,” Kamanga says.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER