A devastating accident shook the Zambian football community over the weekend, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. A team of footballers from Chavuma Town Council FC were en route to a crucial match in the North Western Province Division One League when disaster struck, resulting in the loss of seven lives and injuring 12 others. 19 persons were on board the quantum bus belonging to Chavuma Town Council that overturned between Lukhunyi and Ndondo area enroute to Mufumbwe for a week 8 North Western Province Division One match between Chavuma Town Council and Mufumbwe Marketeers.
The country’s football association, Faz, expressed its “deep shock” at the accident, with president Andrew Kamanga stating, “We are in touch with the football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to furnish us with full details.”
The injured have been evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment, with five in critical condition. The names of the deceased and injured have not been released.
This heart-wrenching incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by those in the sport, leaving the football community in mourning. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe and Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of the council of Southern Africa’s regional FAs, have offered their condolences and support to the families and friends of the deceased and injured players.
As the football community comes to terms with this tragedy, the ACC Global and Zambian Chapter Leadership groups have announced plans to visit the affected families and clubs, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.
ACC’s Founder and President, Coach Eldred Sunju-Abbey solemnly over a mourning whisper “Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces as we mourn the tragic loss of young lives in the Zambian football community. The ACC family stands in solidarity with the players, families, and friends, the club and Zambian Federation, and the great people of Zambia, affected by this devastating accident. We offer our deepest condolences and promise to do everything in our power to support those affected. May the love of football continue to be a source of strength, unity, and comfort during this dark time. May the memories of those lost never fade, and may their passion for the beautiful game inspire us all to come together in this moment of grief.”
