“We Must Qualify for the 2030 World Cup, Without Fail,” – FAZ President
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has set an ambitious and historic target for the Chipolopolo: qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Speaking during a motivational visit to the national team at Nkoloma Stadium this morning, Mweemba declared that Zambia must qualify for the global showpiece “without fail.”
“This is non-negotiable,” Mweemba told the players during their training session. “2030, we must qualify for the World Cup for the first time, without fail.”
While rallying the squad ahead of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup in South Africa, Mweemba made it clear that every tournament from now on, including COSAFA and the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), is a stepping stone towards that ultimate goal.
“We don’t want to put pressure on you only in the final days,” he said. “We are preparing early. COSAFA and CHAN are part of the roadmap to a bigger dream. We want to do what we did in 2012, win the Africa Cup. But beyond that, we are now looking to break new ground by reaching the World Cup.”
The FAZ president acknowledged the challenges Zambia faces in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, calling it a “tricky situation,” but urged the team to finish strongly and build momentum for future campaigns.
“This is not about wishful thinking,” he added. “It’s about proper preparation, budgeting on time, knowing what each player, coach, and official is entitled to. We must remove distractions like delayed allowances and focus on creating an environment where players are motivated and supported.”
Mweemba emphasized unity and discipline in the squad, encouraging players to work as one, regardless of their club backgrounds.
“You are one family here. Once there is love and unity, and you support and fight for each other, nothing is impossible,” he said.
With a young squad and several key tournaments on the horizon, Mweemba’s message was clear: Zambia’s football renaissance starts now, and the road to 2030 begins with belief, preparation, and commitment.
