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 clubs across the country, particularly those in the lower divisions.
Mweemba made the announcement during the FAZ Luapula Province Ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM), where he emphasized that increasing the number of competitions is key to accelerating football development at grassroots level.
He said additional cup games would provide smaller clubs with more exposure, experience and pathways to growth.
“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.
According to the FAZ chief, the proposed tournament could play a crucial role in helping provinces such as Luapula Province produce their first-ever team in the MTN Super League.
“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 added.
Mweemba pointed to long-established clubs such as Mansa Wanderers and Samfya Rockets as examples of teams with rich histories but limited opportunities to break into the top flight, noting that the absence of a Super League side from Luapula remains a concern for FAZ.
Beyond competition matters, Mweemba reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering unity within the football family, expressing optimism that the FAZ Council would ratify the lifting of suspensions, bans and expulsions 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 said.
The FAZ president also acknowledged concerns over delayed infrastructure projects, particularly the incomplete works at Kaole Stadium, expressing hope that a recent visit by FIFA officials would help move the project forward.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama — represented at the AGM by Provincial Director of Sports Susan Kamanga — urged authorities to expedite the rehabilitation works, noting that the delay has affected both football and other sporting disciplines.
In addition, FAZ Luapula Province Chairperson Mujala Mweemba announced the establishment of executive committees in nine districts as part of the association’s decentralization drive.
