Ten African football association presidents attended a gala dinner hosted by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), highlighting both Zambia’s achievements in women’s football and FAZ president Andrew Kamanga’s bid for a seat on the FIFA Council.
The event, held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, brought together prominent football leaders from across the continent, including CAF vice president Hassan Souleiman Waberi, CECAFA president Wallace John Karia, and COSAFA chief Said Ali Said Athouman.
Other attendees included Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president and football legend Samuel Eto’o, Niger Football Federation boss Djbrilla Hima, and Lincoln Mutasa of Zimbabwe.
While the gala primarily celebrated Zambia’s women’s football milestones, Kamanga’s bid for the FIFA Council seat was a key underlying theme. With elections scheduled next month, the presence of these influential football leaders signaled growing support for Kamanga’s candidacy.
“You have our full support for next month’s FIFA Council elections,” said COSAFA president Athouman. “It’s a great pleasure for us to be here and support you and encourage you for the excellent work you are doing within Zambia, CAF, and COSAFA.”
CECAFA president Karia also expressed his solidarity, emphasizing the unity within African football. “I am happy to be here with our brothers. I am from Tanzania, but as CECAFA president, I stand with Zambia and Andrew Kamanga in celebrating football excellence,” he said.
CAF vice president Waberi lauded Zambia’s success in women’s football, which has seen the Copper Queens represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics. “Zambia has made Africa proud,” Waberi remarked. “We wish you success in the upcoming WAFCON and hope you will soon lift the trophy.”
In his address, Kamanga acknowledged the contributions of individuals who have advanced women’s football in Zambia. “The recognition is not just for today’s heroes but also for the pioneers who paved the way,” he said. “To sustain this momentum, we need to continuously replenish our talent. We salute the men and women managing clubs that supply players to our national teams.”
Kamanga also thanked Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for championing gender equality in sports, including implementing equal pay for male and female national teams. “His unwavering support has opened doors at State House for sportsmen and women,” Kamanga noted.
Among the award recipients were long-serving football administrator and FAZ Life Member Janet Bwalya, Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda, sprinter-turned-footballer Kabange Mupopo, and coach Bruce Mwape. Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga received special recognition for their contributions to women’s football in the region.
As Kamanga continues his campaign for the FIFA Council seat, the backing from fellow FA presidents at the gala underscores the growing unity within African football, with Zambia’s success story serving as a testament to the continent’s rising influence on the global stage.
