A tragic accident has shaken Zambia’s football community, claiming the lives of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in a bus crash. The team was en route to a third-tier league match in northwestern Zambia when the fatal accident occurred, leaving the nation in deep mourning. As Zambia grapples with this profound loss, messages of sympathy and support pour in from across Africa, honoring the young athletes who proudly represented their community.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) expressed “deep shock” following the accident. FAZ president Andrew Kamanga noted that the organization is actively collaborating with local authorities to gather comprehensive details about the incident. Alongside the tragic fatalities, twelve others suffered injuries; five of those injured were transported to the capital, Lusaka, for advanced medical care.
Condolences poured in from across the continent, highlighting the collective grief felt in the footballing world. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those lost. “May God comfort and console the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and the Football Association of Zambia,” he expressed, calling for strength and solace during this heart-wrenching period.
Artur de Almeida e Silva, head of the Council of Southern Africa’s regional football associations, also shared his sadness. “Football is a sport that unites us, bringing joy and pride to communities across our region. In this tragic moment, we share in your grief and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends who are mourning this immense loss,” he wrote in a letter to FAZ.
This tragedy has cast a shadow over Zambia’s football community, reminding all of the fragility of life and the risks faced by athletes who travel great distances to represent their communities. The nation mourns these young athletes, remembering them not only as players but as sons, friends, and dreams taken too soon. Their passion for the sport and dedication to their community will remain an enduring legacy.
