U-15 World Champions Receive Presidential Treatment as Hichilema Pledges FAZ Debt Support

President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to work with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to address its longstanding legacy debt, promising to convene a meeting with mining companies to help raise funds for the association.

Hichilema made the commitment when he hosted the Zambia Under-15 Men’s National Team at State House following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-15 World Cup Tier B tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The President said his government was ready to work with FAZ to ensure that all national teams receive the necessary support, while acknowledging that additional resources would be required to meet the demands of football development.

“Our intention is to work with you (FAZ), and your team to work through a programme that will ensure due attention is given to all the teams in some way or another. But to do that, we have to grow the envelope,” Hichilema said.

He further revealed plans to invite mining companies to discuss ways of supporting FAZ financially, pointing to the growth of the mining sector and its expansion into provinces such as North-Western and Central.

“The President will use his little clout to make this happen. So please make a note of this, President, and Minister, peers, and others. I will invite all mining firms to a meeting to help raise funds for FAZ. So that we have a lunch like this with all the mining houses.”

Hichilema also urged FAZ to adopt more prudent financial management practices once the debt is addressed, warning against accumulating further liabilities and encouraging investment in young players.

“This thing is creating problems for the development of football. I also want to say as we dismantle the legal debt, we want FAZ to be more prudent in managing resources once we dismantle that debt,” he said.

He added that government was not in competition with the football association and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting its activities.

Meanwhile, FAZ president Keith Mweemba highlighted the association’s financial challenges, revealing that its legacy debt stood at not less than ZMW40 million. He explained that the financial burden was largely linked to the demands of managing multiple national teams against the income generated by the association.

Mweemba appealed for government support to extend beyond the senior national teams, particularly to junior sides representing Zambia in COSAFA, CAF and FIFA competitions. He specifically cited the U-17 Women’s National Team, which has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on three consecutive occasions.

Captain Simon Nyirenda also thanked President Hichilema for hosting the team and pledged that the players would continue working hard.

The Brian Kunsanama-coached side secured the historic title after defeating Portugal 5-2 in the final, earning national recognition for their achievement.

Hichilema congratulated the players and encouraged them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their football careers, while emphasising the importance of continuing their education.