Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has doubled down on his claims that Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu is pursuing a personal agenda to oust him from his position.
In a submission to the Lusaka High Court, Kamanga argues that the Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, has no legal basis to represent Nkandu in the ongoing defamation case, as the actions in question result from Nkandu’s personal motives rather than his official ministerial duties.
Kamanga, through an affidavit opposing a summons for the Attorney General to join the proceedings, insisted that Nkandu’s actions were aimed at undermining his leadership of FAZ.
He stated, “the second defendant’s statements and actions have been undertaken to further his personal agenda to remove me from my position. Such conduct, being of a personal nature, necessitates that he defends himself in his personal capacity without recourse to state resources.”
Kamanga clarifies that while Nkandu holds the title of Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, the lawsuit addresses actions taken in his personal capacity.
According to Kamanga, this distinction invalidates the Attorney General’s involvement in the matter.
He elaborated, “had I intended to sue the second defendant in his ministerial capacity, it would have been necessary to join the Attorney General as a party to the proceedings. However, the state has no obligation to represent a government official in matters pursued strictly in a personal capacity.”
Kamanga is seeking damages for what he described as a concerted effort by Nkandu and former FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala to discredit his leadership.
He alleges that the pair orchestrated a campaign to subject him to ridicule, professional harm, and emotional distress.
Kamanga claims that Nkandu attempted to reinstate former FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya in a supervisory role over the national teams, a move Kamanga described as a direct challenge to his authority.
The Attorney General, through State Advocate Jabulani Moyo, had argued for the right to join the proceedings.
Moyo submitted that any actions taken by Nkandu in his official capacity as Minister should be defended by the government’s legal office.
He stated that joining the Attorney General would not prejudice Kamanga’s case and was a necessary step to ensure proper representation.
