FAZ

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has received 80 hectares of land from Government for the construction of a state of the art FIFA-funded Technical Centre in Chongwe district.

The historic project, valued at $10 million, is supported through the FIFA Forward Programme and marks a significant leap in the country’s football infrastructure in a milestone that is set to revolutionize football development in Zambia.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga expressed delight at the historic occasion. “This event lays the ground for a greater football development project. The Technical Centre will be a game-changer for the development of our game, housing high-standard football pitches, a Centre of Excellence, FAZ headquarters, and numerous other facilities,” Kamanga said in a speech read on his behalf by Lusaka province FAZ chairperson Jordan Maliti.

“This FIFA project is a testament to the partnership among FIFA, FAZ, and the government. We are grateful to President Hakainde Hichilema, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and the Chongwe Town Council for their support in securing this land.”

The Technical Centre will feature multiple football pitches with both artificial and natural turf, accommodation and recreational facilities for players and coaches, and a Centre of Excellence for technical training, coaching certification, and youth development.

Other facilities include a modern FAZ headquarters and conference facilities and medical and gymnasium facilities to support player wellness and fitness.

The event follows the recent celebrations hosted by President Hichilema, who is also FAZ’s patron, to honor Zambia’s Under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams and CAF award winners Barbra Banda and Diana Chikotesha.

Kamanga noted that such achievements underscore the importance of continued investment in football development.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sports infrastructure. “The FIFA project in Chongwe represents a significant milestone in Zambia’s football history. The centre will not only elevate our football but also contribute to socio-economic development through job creation, community entrepreneurship, and tourism promotion,” Chileshe said.

“This initiative will boost talent development, empower grassroots football, and enhance women’s football in Zambia. It aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging sports to address challenges like youth unemployment and substance abuse.

”The project builds on existing partnerships between FIFA and FAZ, which have already delivered significant upgrades to provincial stadia, including David Kaunda, Solwezi, Kaole, and Kasama stadia. Two of these stadia (David Kaunda and Solwezi) have been handed over, with the remaining set for completion early next year.

FAZ’s long-term vision includes having at least one stadium in each province to decentralize football activities. The project’s sustainability plan incorporates green building practices, community integration, and revenue generation through hosting tournaments and training camps.

Kamanga and Chileshe both emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving such milestones.

“This project is a remarkable testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. The FIFA Technical Centre in Chongwe will serve as a beacon of excellence, nurturing future generations of Zambian footballers while contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development,” Chileshe said.