Former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has revealed that he prayed to lose this year’s FAZ elections, marking the end of his nine-year reign at the helm of Zambian football. Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at his Mimosa Mansion in Lusaka, Kamanga said he was at peace with the outcome and confirmed he will not seek a return to football administration. His candid admission comes just months after Keith Mweemba was elected as the new FAZ president in a tightly contested and at times controversial race.
Kamanga’s Peaceful Exit
Kamanga, who served from 2016 to 2025, told guests that he had reached a point where he wanted to move on.
“I prayed that I could lose and be at peace. I want to state that I am at peace. I am not going back to FAZ again. I lost the election and my time is done,” he said.
His remarks were received with applause, with several in attendance noting the humility in his words. After nearly a decade in the hot seat, Kamanga said his focus will now shift away from football governance, leaving the association in the hands of a new leadership team.
The 2025 FAZ Election Story
The elections, held in May 2025, saw Keith Mweemba emerge victorious with 45 votes, ahead of Kamanga’s 20 and Adrian Kashala’s 17. Mweemba, a lawyer and football administrator, pledged sweeping reforms, increased transparency, and better engagement with both grassroots and elite football stakeholders.
The run-up to the vote was not without controversy. Several candidates had initially been disqualified on grounds of failing to meet eligibility criteria, sparking criticism and allegations of constitutional manipulation. However, the FAZ appeals committee later reinstated four contenders, opening the door for Mweemba’s eventual victory.
A Legacy of Mixed Reviews
Kamanga’s tenure saw both successes and challenges. On one hand, he oversaw Zambia’s participation in multiple continental tournaments and pushed for improved financial governance. On the other, critics accused his administration of divisive politics and poor stakeholder engagement. The disputed eligibility rules in the 2025 elections further clouded his final months in office.
Despite the criticism, Kamanga’s acceptance of defeat and his public blessing for the new administration could help ease tensions and foster unity within Zambian football.
Looking Ahead for Zambian Football
With Mweemba now in charge, the football community will be watching closely to see if promised reforms materialise. His agenda includes restoring trust between FAZ and club owners, boosting investment in youth development, and ensuring fair and transparent governance.
For Kamanga, the chapter is closed. “My time is done,” he reiterated—signalling a rare example of peaceful transition in Zambian sports leadership.
