KALU WITHDRAWS FROM FAZ ELECTION RACE

By BARNABAS ZULU

Football icon Kalusha Bwalya has announced that he will no longer contest in the upcoming Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) elections scheduled for March 29, 2025.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Mr. Nkweto Tembwe, at a press briefing in Lusaka, Kalusha revealed that after careful reflection and consultation, he had decided to withdraw from the race.

Kalusha, who had previously expressed his intention to run after his disqualification in 2020, stated that participating in the election would legitimize what he described as “alleged irregularities surrounding the electoral process.”

He did not endorse any candidate but urged the FAZ councillors to demand leadership that truly embodies the spirit of the game.

“I will not be part of a process that does not reflect the true values of football,” Kalusha said in his statement. “I encourage councillors to vote for leadership that will take Zambian football forward.”

Kalusha also extended his best wishes to all candidates in the upcoming election.

However, sources close to the matter have indicated that Kalusha’s withdrawal was influenced by the State. It is alleged that the government wanted him to support Lusaka lawyer Keith Mweemba, who is reportedly their preferred candidate.

“He is withdrawing because they told him to support Keith Mweemba, whom the government is backing,” a source told Daily Nation. “They knew he was the favourite to win if allowed to participate, but it seems they have succeeded in making him pull out of the race.”

It remains to be seen whether Kalusha will publicly endorse any candidate in the lead-up to the elections.