FAZ president Keith Mweemba has urged provincial football associations to repackage the sport into an attractive and marketable product that can attract significant investment.
Speaking at the FAZ Central Province Ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kabwe on Sunday, he stressed that the future of football hinges on its effective presentation to potential partners.
Mweemba called on provinces to build football into a credible and appealing brand capable of drawing interest from sponsors and other stakeholders.
He specifically commended the FAZ Central Province for successfully securing the Afriseed sponsorship deal, highlighting it as a positive example of what can be achieved through strategic branding and marketing efforts.
Mweemba’s remarks underscore the importance of provinces taking proactive steps to enhance the commercial viability of football at the local level.
“The Afriseed/FAZ Central partnership is a good example of how you are working to attract football financing. Football must be presented as a credible and valuable product, capable of attracting meaningful investment and long-term partnerships that will sustain the growth of the game,” Mweemba said.
He added that expanding corporate support across regions will help make the game more competitive.
He said the era of empty talk in football is over, with FAZ now focused on delivery and results.
“This is the time to focus on action and delivery. Our football has for too long been defined by lip service, and we must now allow our results to speak clearly through discipline, consistency and a shared sense of purpose,” Mweemba also called for continued support for local coaches as FAZ works to build sustained success across national teams.
He noted that the upcoming international friendly against world champions Argentina reflects the growing respect Zambian football continues to command globally.
Mweemba further disclosed that the Zambia Under-23 national team will target qualification for the 2028 Olympics, with preparations beginning through participation in the four-nations tournament in set Botswana.
Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Chrizoster Phiri, who attended the AGM as guest of honour, urged football stakeholders to place greater emphasis on education for players.
He said football careers are often short-lived, making education essential for life beyond the pitch.
“Not every player will have a lifelong football career, but every player deserves a strong educational foundation.
A well-educated footballer is not only a smarter player, but a stronger, more resilient citizen,” he said.
And FAZ Central Province chairperson Chisanga Pule said the province is now operating in an improved football environment, He credited the Mweemba-led executive for creating room for growth.
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He revealed the renewal of the Afriseed sponsorship and noted the RUZ ball distribution deal as progress.
Pule, however, raised concern over rising match violence, the use of ineligible players and ongoing officiating challenges that the province continues to grapple with.
