“No More Yango Rides to the Airport” – ZA President

Zambia Athletics President Major Bernard Bwalya has drawn a line in the sand over the logistical challenges that have long plagued the sport, vowing an end to the indignity of athletes relying on ride-hailing services like Yango to get to the airport for international assignments.

Speaking at a media briefing outlining his executive’s vision for the 2025–2029 period, Major Bwalya said the organization is prioritizing investment in infrastructure and transport logistics to better support national teams and restore professionalism in athletics.

“We don’t want our athletes to be using Yango going to the airport when they have national assignments,” said Major Bwalya. “It’s unacceptable, and we are going to ensure we secure vehicles for Zambia Athletics.”

The commitment forms part of a broader logistics overhaul that includes plans to acquire official vehicles, build or secure a permanent administrative home for Zambia Athletics, and equip clubs across the country with proper field event equipment.

“If we don’t manage to build our own structure by 2029, we will at least secure a place we can call home,” Bwalya added, signaling a shift from years of relying on rented spaces.

The president also emphasized the importance of distributing furniture, timing systems, and basic office equipment to support provincial operations and streamline event management nationwide.

This logistics revamp complements other ambitious reforms under the new administration, including athlete-centered policies, expanded national teams, and enhanced funding for clubs and area boards.

As Zambia prepares to send teams to upcoming continental championships and international events, the move to professionalize logistics could not come at a more critical time. With the global athletics calendar intensifying, Bwalya’s administration wants to ensure that Zambian athletes can compete on a level playing field—starting with how they get to the airport.