LAND BOOST …as govt hands over technical centre land to faz for $10m fifa project

By MUBITA KATETE

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially received 80 hectares from the government for the construction of a state of the art FIFA-funded Technical Centre in Chongwe.
The groundbreaking project, valued at $10 million and supported by FIFA’s Forward Programme, marks a major milestone in the country’s football infrastructure.
It is set to transform the development of the sport and elevate the country’s standing in the global football community.
During the handover ceremony, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga expressed his excitement about the significant development.
“This event lays the foundation for a greater football development project. The Technical Centre will be a game-changer for our game, housing high standard football pitches, a Centre of Excellence, FAZ headquarters, and numerous other facilities,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga thanked President Hakainde Hichilema, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and the Chongwe Town Council for their support in securing the land for the project.
This event follows a series of celebrations by President Hichilema, who is also FAZ patron, to honour Zambia’s Under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams, as well as CAF award winners Barbra Banda and Diana Chikotesha.
Kamanga noted that such achievements highlight the need for continued investment in football development.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure.
“The FIFA project in Chongwe represents a significant milestone in Zambia’s football history. The Centre will not only improve our football but also contribute to socio economic development through job creation, community entrepreneurship, and tourism promotion,” Chileshe said.
The project aligns with the government’s vision of using sports to tackle issues like youth unemployment and substance abuse, while also boosting grassroots football and promoting women’s football.
The initiative builds on ongoing partnerships between FIFA and FAZ, which have already resulted in upgrades to provincial stadiums, including David Kaunda, Solwezi, Kaole, and Kasama.
Two of these grounds (David Kaunda and Solwezi) have already been completed, with the remaining two set for completion early next year.