Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has revealed that plans are underway to introduce a new national cup competition aimed at expanding competitive opportunities for football clubs across the country, particularly those competing in lower divisions.
The proposed tournament is expected to play a key role in strengthening grassroots football by creating additional competitive platforms for emerging teams while giving smaller clubs exposure against stronger opposition.
New Competition to Strengthen Grassroots Football
Speaking during the FAZ Luapula Province Ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mweemba emphasized that increasing the number of competitions remains essential to accelerating football development across Zambia.
According to the FAZ president, more cup competitions would provide clubs from lower leagues with valuable match experience, improved visibility, and opportunities to grow within the national football structure.
“This is a challenge we must address together. One way to achieve this is by increasing competitions that give lower league clubs more opportunities to compete and develop. In this regard, we will in due course be announcing a new cup competition,” Mweemba said.
Opportunity for Provinces Without Super League Representation
Mweemba also indicated that the planned tournament could provide a pathway for provinces that are yet to produce a team competing in the MTN Super League.
He specifically highlighted Luapula Province as an example of a region with strong football heritage but limited representation in the country’s top flight.
“Luapula, like the other nine provinces, remains very dear to us. This province has produced many outstanding footballers, too many to mention. We are determined to help the game grow here,” he said.
Historic Clubs Still Seeking Top-Flight Breakthrough
The FAZ chief further pointed to long-standing clubs such as Mansa Wanderers FC and Samfya Rockets FC as examples of teams with rich football histories but limited opportunities to break into the top tier.
According to Mweemba, the absence of a club from Luapula Province in the MTN Super League remains a concern for the association, and initiatives such as the proposed cup competition could help bridge that gap.
Such a tournament would allow clubs from across different divisions to test themselves against stronger opposition and potentially accelerate their growth.
Push for Unity Within the Football Family
Beyond competition matters, Mweemba reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening unity within the Zambian football fraternity.
He expressed optimism that the FAZ Council could soon ratify the lifting of suspensions, bans, and expulsions that were imposed on some members last year.
“When we assumed office, one of our first priorities was to unite the football family. Without unity, we cannot achieve meaningful progress,” he explained.
Infrastructure Concerns Raised
Mweemba also acknowledged ongoing concerns surrounding delayed infrastructure projects, particularly the incomplete works at Kaole Stadium.
He expressed hope that a recent visit by officials from FIFA would help accelerate progress on the project, which is considered vital for the development of football in the region.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama — represented by Provincial Director of Sports Susan Kamanga — urged authorities to speed up rehabilitation works, noting that delays have affected both football and other sporting activities.
Decentralization Drive in Luapula
At the same meeting, FAZ Luapula Province Chairperson Mujala Mweemba announced the establishment of executive committees in nine districts as part of the association’s decentralization strategy.
The initiative aims to strengthen football administration at district level while ensuring better coordination of football activities across the province.
The planned introduction of a new national cup competition signals FAZ’s intention to broaden competitive opportunities and strengthen football development across Zambia. By creating additional platforms for clubs in lower divisions, the association hopes to nurture talent, promote regional representation, and accelerate the growth of the game at grassroots level.
If successfully implemented, the tournament could provide a much-needed pathway for provinces such as Luapula to eventually produce teams capable of competing in the MTN Super League, further strengthening Zambia’s football landscape.
