City of Lusaka Football Club was Formed in The Early 1950’s.

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL- City of Lusaka Football Club was Formed in The Early 1950’s

City of Lusaka Football Club, founded in the early 1950s, occupies a significant place in the annals of Zambian football history. As one of the first football teams to embrace interracial play, the club played a pivotal role in shaping the sport in the region.

The club’s decision to adopt black and white as its home jersey colors symbolized its commitment to inclusivity, reflecting the coexistence of Africans and Europeans within the club.

In its early days, City of Lusaka FC played its home matches at the Showground. The club quickly established itself as a dominant force in the Midlands area. However, it later relocated to the municipal sports club known as Queensmead Stadium. Notably, Queensmead Stadium was initially home to Queenspark FC, which was founded in 1962. Although Queenspark FC disbanded shortly after its formation, its legacy would later merge with City of Lusaka FC.

In 1964, City of Lusaka FC moved to its own stadium, Woodlands Stadium. This strategic relocation placed the club in the heart of a low-residential area, making it accessible to the Chilenje, Kabwata, and Libala townships, which were densely populated.

One of the standout figures associated with City of Lusaka was Jackie Sewell, who served as both a player and a coach. Sewell had an illustrious career, having played several matches for the England national team and being a key player for Nottingham County. His leadership helped City of Lusaka FC secure the Northern Rhodesia Castle Cup in 1961.

In 1964, City of Lusaka FC achieved a historic double victory, clinching both the National Football League (NFL) Championship and the Castle Cup. During the inaugural season of the NFL, the club finished as runners-up to Roan United FC, capping the season with a memorable 2-1 victory over Nchanga Sports.

City of Lusaka FC boasted a roster of exceptional African talent, including players like Peter Mulenga, Lucas Bwalya, and Amons Mushipe. The club also expanded its horizons by recruiting professionals from other African countries. Notable additions included Amos Maponga from Salisbury (now Harare) and Juma Chipeta from Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

In the wake of Zambia’s independence, many European players departed, leading to an influx of African players. The legacy of City of Lusaka endures, and the team is affectionately known as City Yamoto, signifying its enduring impact on Zambian football.

City of Lusaka Football Club remains an indelible part of the nation’s football heritage, with its historic contributions to the sport still celebrated to this day.