Keith Mweemba Vows Urgent Constitutional Reforms and Unity in Zambian Football

Newly elected Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President, Keith Mweemba, has pledged sweeping constitutional reforms and immediate action to unite the Zambian football community, describing it as a non-negotiable priority for his first 100 days in office.

Speaking in his first official address following a decisive victory in the FAZ elections, where he secured 45 votes against Andrew Kamanga’s 20 and Adrian Kashala’s 17, Mweemba emphasized that structural change and inclusivity will be the cornerstones of his administration.

“It’s an urgent matter, constitutional reforms, statute reforms. The constitution is the supreme document. It creates the institution,” Mweemba said, explaining that many of FAZ’s current statutes, including the Code of Ethics and player transfer regulations, lack the force of law and must be urgently reviewed.

He expressed a strong commitment to democracy, media freedom, and equal opportunity, promising fair treatment for journalists and all stakeholders across Zambia’s 10 provinces.

“We want to allow people freedom of expression. Journalists must be treated fairly and given equal opportunities. That must be the same even to the provincial leadership. There must be no segregation,” he said.

Quoting political philosophers James Madison and Abraham Lincoln, Mweemba framed his vision around democratic principles such as political tolerance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he stated. “It entails majority rule but with respect for minority rights. We want to promote freedom of expression, but not the freedom to abuse.”

A key highlight of his immediate agenda is national reconciliation within the football fraternity. He extended an olive branch to suspended or banned individuals in Zambian football, urging them to engage in dialogue and rejoin the sport in line with regulations.

“Reconciliation and the uniting of the football family start today,” Mweemba declared. “Football is a spirit game. Everybody must be united, legends, officials, and supporters. We need to seek wisdom from those who came before us.”

He reiterated that while the long-term development of Zambian football would be guided by a comprehensive strategic plan, some reforms, especially legal and governance-related—must begin immediately.

“We want to sit down with my executive and then call for an emergency stakeholders meeting. Government and the corporate world are key partners. Together, we must bring back the glory days of Zambian football.”

Ending his address, Mweemba made an earnest appeal to the media: “I cannot do it alone. Help me start uniting the football family today.”