FAZ President Keith Mweemba Officially Opens Elite Referees Course in Lusaka
The President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Keith Mweemba, yesterday officially opened the Elite Referees Course in Lusaka, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to raising the standards of refereeing in the country.
The five-day course, which has attracted 35 participants, is part of FAZ’s wider efforts to enhance professionalism and integrity among match officials. It is being held with support from FIFA, represented by renowned FIFA instructor Gladys Lengwe.
In his opening remarks, Mweemba emphasized that referee development was one of the pillars he promised to prioritize when he assumed office.
“Referee training was one of the key pillars I emphasized when I sought the mandate to lead this great association, and today is evidence of that vision in action,” Mweemba said. “The integrity of football rests heavily on the consistency and credibility of refereeing.”
He also expressed concern over betting-related malpractices, describing them as a “cancer” threatening the integrity of the game.
“While this issue is not unique to Zambia, our response must be firm and decisive. We hope that this course will create space to openly address this issue and equip you with the awareness and values needed to resist and report such practices,” he added.
Mweemba reiterated his executive’s commitment to improving conditions for referees through both financial and professional support. He further urged a grassroots approach to referee development, suggesting training initiatives in primary schools to spark early interest in officiating.
“We nurture what we have, we already have a crop of experienced ones… Let’s now go to the grassroots. Ten years from now, it will be at another level,” he said.
FIFA instructor Gladys Lengwe highlighted FIFA’s commitment to developing referees across all member associations.
“At FIFA, we take keen interest in the development of referees. We offer support in many areas, from young talent to instructors and assessors. We are here to impart knowledge and ensure our referees are on the same level as others across the globe,” Lengwe said.
She urged participants to take the training seriously and engage actively during the course, saying it was a crucial step toward reaching international standards.
Meanwhile, referee Mercy Zulu expressed gratitude to the FAZ leadership and pledged renewed dedication on behalf of her colleagues.
“With your assurance, sir, we are going to work extra hard. Your support has paved the way for us, we will not disappoint,” she said.
The Elite Referees Course is expected to enhance the quality of officiating in Zambian football and contribute to broader efforts to promote fairness, integrity, and professionalism in the sport.
