By Maimisa Josphat
The Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSA) Lusaka Province, under the stewardship of the Lusaka Provincial Education Office (PEO), has written another remarkable chapter in school football after clinching Gold and Silver at the just-ended ZANACO Grassroots Under-17 Football Tournament.
The boys’ team emerged champions to claim the coveted gold medal, while the girls produced an outstanding campaign to finish as silver medallists. In doing so, Lusaka Province became the first province in the history of the tournament’s second edition to guide both the boys’ and girls’ teams into their respective finals.
The province’s exceptional performance was also rewarded financially, with the two teams collectively earning K175,000 in prize money—an achievement that ensured the tournament’s biggest rewards remained in the nation’s capital.
United under the inspiring rallying call of “Team Small ISSUE,” the two teams carried the hopes of Lusaka with courage, discipline and unwavering determination. Their success ignited scenes of celebration across the province, bringing tears of joy to football lovers from all six districts that make up Lusaka Province.
At Sunset Stadium, hundreds of passionate supporters filled the stands to rally behind the provincial teams. Leading the delegation was Provincial Education Officer Dr. Terry Changwe, whose unwavering encouragement inspired the players to deliver performances worthy of champions and signalled the dawn of a new era in Lusaka school football.
The success story began long before the opening whistle. Ms. Agness Namukoko, Senior Education Standards Officer (SESO) for Expressive Arts, spearheaded the planning process from its inception through to the successful fruition of the project. Through her strategic coordination, meticulous planning and steadfast commitment, she ensured that every critical aspect of the provincial campaign was effectively managed. Her leadership united the various stakeholders behind a common vision and laid a firm foundation upon which Lusaka Province built one of its finest performances in schools football history.
This triumph was built on meticulous planning and collective leadership. Guided by the Provincial Education Officer, all District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) supported the decision to keep both teams in residential camp, allowing the players to prepare thoroughly for the tournament. Their foresight and commitment created an environment that enabled the teams to compete at the highest level and ultimately achieve historic success.
The Head Teachers’ Representative, Mr. Bishop Siabwanta, remained closely attached to the ZASSA Lusaka Province Executive Committee throughout the preparations and the competition, providing invaluable parental guidance and administrative support. He spent countless late hours, often braving the cold, conducting review meetings and closely monitoring training sessions to ensure every aspect of the preparations remained on course. His tireless commitment, resilience and willingness to summon every ounce of energy contributed significantly to the smooth preparation, successful execution and ultimate success of Project 2026, demonstrating exemplary leadership and selfless service to school sport.
Further strengthening the provincial effort were Chongwe DEBS Mr. Chanda, Lusaka DEBS Mr. Simutowe and Chilanga DEBS Dr. Longwe, who met the Executive Committee at the onset of the tournament to appreciate the teams’ preparations, understand emerging challenges and reaffirm their unwavering support. Their presence motivated both players and officials while reinforcing the Ministry of Education’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Lusaka Province also played a significant role through its Youth and Women’s Desks by providing valuable technical guidance, football equipment and moral support throughout the tournament. Their collaboration with ZASSA demonstrated the growing strength of strategic partnerships in nurturing grassroots football and developing future national team players.
Beyond the impressive team achievements, Lusaka Province also dominated the tournament’s individual honours. Blessing Moonga and Promise Sakala were each crowned Player of the Tournament, while Maxen Msimuko walked away with the prestigious Golden Boot Award, underlining the province’s remarkable depth of football talent and quality player development.
The achievements of both teams reflect the effectiveness of the partnership between the Ministry of Education, ZASSA, FAZ Lusaka Province, school administrators, coaches, teachers, parents and supporters. The residential camping programme, careful planning, technical preparation and collective commitment created an environment in which young players were able to flourish and compete with confidence.
Gold. Silver. Individual honours. History made.
Lusaka Province has not merely collected medals—it has reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in grassroots football. The success of Project 2026 demonstrates that visionary leadership, meticulous planning, teamwork, discipline and unwavering belief can produce extraordinary results.
Congratulations to every player, coach, team official, school administrator, education leader, FAZ Lusaka Province official, parent and supporter who stood behind Team Small ISSUE throughout this unforgettable journey.
As the celebrations continue, Lusaka Province has set a new benchmark for schools football in Zambia. The future of Zambian football continues to shine brightly from the classrooms and playing fields of Lusaka Province, where today’s learners are steadily becoming tomorrow’s champions.
