Zambian football is in deep mourning following the tragic death of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in a bus crash. The accident occurred on Saturday as the team was en route to a third-tier league match in the country’s northwest.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) expressed its “deep shock” over the incident. FAZ President Andrew Kamanga stated, “We are coordinating with football, civil, and law enforcement authorities in the province to obtain complete details regarding the accident.”
In addition to the fatalities, twelve other individuals sustained injuries, with five of them being transferred to the capital, Lusaka, for medical treatment. The identities of those killed and injured have not yet been disclosed.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed his condolences, stating that he and the organization “hope and pray” for the speedy recovery of the injured. He added, “I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of myself and CAF. May God provide comfort and solace to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, as well as the Football Association of Zambia. May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”
Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of the Southern Africa regional football associations, described the loss of young lives in such a tragic manner 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 moment of tragedy, we share in your sorrow and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends mourning this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with those still receiving treatment for their injuries.”