Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga’s efforts to oppose MUZA FC’s proposals, which include amending the FAZ constitution, have been thwarted by the FAZ Council – the association’s supreme decision-making organ.
At the reconvened FAZ annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday, Beauty Namwawa, the Northern Province women’s representative, proposed that MUZA FC’s proposal be included on the agenda before it’s adopted.
Despite initial attempts by Kamanga and a member of the FAZ Governance Committee to block the proposal on the grounds that it did not meet the 50+1 requirement, the members strongly insisted on its inclusion.
Prominent figures, such as Central Province Vice Chairperson Ernest Silomba, Copperbelt committee member Chishimba Kambwili Jr, and MUZA FC proprietor Keith Mweemba voiced their support for the proposals during the meeting.
The MUZA FC proposals raise anomalies in the FAZ constitution, amending and harmonizing it and lifting the suspensions and bans slapped on different people. MUZA FC also wants the creation of an independent Referees Association of Zambia and Super League clubs to elect the leadership of the Zambia Premier League (ZPL).
“We are happy that members who brought forward proposals were given an opportunity to present them to the council and, subsequently, a decision was taken that the proposals be tabled at the Emergency General Meeting,” General Secretary Reuben Kamanga said.
“The proposal by FC MUZA to have the Zambian Premier League chairperson elected by the clubs has been forwarded to ZPL on the recommendation of the council and will then be forwarded to the EGM. The Elite Ladies Football Club proposals will also be a subject at the EGM.”
The Elite Ladies Football Club seeks that women should have an equal number of votes as the men’s teams rather than them voting as a block.
Dates for the EGM are yet to be set.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Sports, Youth and Art Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, who was the guest of honor, was delighted that the AGM had finally been held after it was forced on ice by a series of restraining orders.
“I am glad that this meeting has finally taken place as it reflects the ability of the association to resolve issues as a football family,” Chileshe said.
FAZ failed to hold the AGM in April after football administrator Damiano Mutale and journalist Mabvuto Phiri obtained a court injunction to halt the meeting. The duo cited the association’s president and his General Secretary for altering the FAZ constitution without following due process.
