Mweemba Pleads with Councillors to Put Football First Over Election Differences
FAZ President Keith Mweemba has renewed his call for unity in football by urging administrators in Eastern Province to put The post Mweemba Pleads with Councillors to Put Football First Over Election Differences first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
Black News 
FAZ President Keith Mweemba has renewed his call for unity in football by urging administrators in Eastern Province to put aside divisions and work together for the growth of the game.
Speaking during the FAZ Eastern Province Annual General Meeting held at Crystal Springs Lodge, Mweemba said unity remains the foundation upon which Zambian football can progress.
He told delegates that his message has remained consistent since taking office in May last year.
“Once again let me emphasise my call for peace, unity and love. It has now been almost a year since we were elected together with my colleagues in the Executive Committee. From day one, this has been my message.
“I have spoken about peace, unity and love. I have insisted on unity and have repeated it everywhere I go and I will not grow tired of saying it.” He said.
The FAZ chief said divisions that often follow elections must come to an end, adding that football cannot develop in an environment of mistrust and exclusion.
“My appeal remains the same even here today. Leaders, let us be united. Let us not discriminate against others simply because they did not agree with us or support us during the campaigns. They are still our people.” He said
Mweemba also praised the region for its contribution to the national game and described it as a key source of talent and growth.
He acknowledged progress made by the province, and cited the presence of teams in the National Division One in both men’s and women’s football, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and competition.
He challenged football administrators to aim higher and work towards producing a team capable of competing in the Super League. Mweemba also urged officials to remain focused and resist misinformation that could divide the football family.
Meanwhile, FAZ Eastern Province chairperson Patrick Nyirenda highlighted some of the key achievements by his executive committee, aimed at rebuilding the football’s structures and credibility in the region.
Nyirenda said the executive committee has strengthened stakeholder engagement and introduced the province’s first-ever sports awards, while also expanding administrative capacity to improve service delivery.
Nyirenda also cited milestones such as the Fashion Sakala tournament, which he said has boosted local football investment and community impact. He also named the promotion of teams like Chipata City Council FC and Valley Queens to National Division One, and Chipata Girls FC into the Women’s Super League.
“Since taking office, as the new executive committee, we have worked tirelessly to restore unity, credibility, and inclusivity in football administration. We have strengthened stakeholder engagement, ensuring that clubs, referees, players, and supporters feel represented in decision-making.” Nyirenda said.
“We instituted the first – ever Sports Awards in the history of our game in this province, to appreciate the contributions of our members and partners.”
And Acting Permanent Secretary for Eastern Province Lewis Mwape, reaffirmed government’s stance in recognizing football as a powerful tool for unity, youth empowerment and socio-economic growth.
Dr. Mwape commmeded the Provincial executive committee for its initiatives such aa the introduction of the annual football awards which recognize and celebrate excellence among clubs and individuals.
He said government will continue to provide an enabling environment for sports to thrive through infrastructure development, grassroots support, and strategic partnerships.
The post Mweemba Pleads with Councillors to Put Football First Over Election Differences first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
