Zambia’s football community is grieving the tragic loss of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC, who were killed in a bus crash on Saturday.
The accident occurred as the team was en route to a third-tier league match in the country’s northwestern region.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) expressed its “deep shock” at the devastating event. FAZ President Andrew Kamanga stated, “We are coordinating with the football, civil, and law enforcement authorities in the province to gather complete details.”
In addition to the fatalities, twelve others were injured, with five of them being evacuated to Lusaka for advanced medical care. The names of those affected have not yet been released.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe extended his condolences, saying he and CAF “hope and pray” for the full recovery of the injured. “I convey my personal and CAF’s deepest condolences,” he added, “May God comfort the families, friends, colleagues of the deceased, and the Football Association of Zambia. May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”
Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of Southern Africa’s regional football associations, also shared his sorrow, describing the loss as “truly heartbreaking.” In a letter to his FAZ counterpart, he remarked, “Football unites us, bringing joy and pride to communities across our region. In this tragic moment, we share in your grief and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends mourning this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with those still receiving treatment.”
