Goal Programme - Football Association of Zambia - 2001

Although Zambia have never won the African Cup of Nations, they have been ever-present at the finals since 1974. However, they have won the COSAFA (Confederation of South African Football Associations) Cup twice. They hope to win the title for a third occasion, which would allow them to retain the trophy. In 1993, Zambian football was dealt a devastating blow, with the majority of the national team losing their lives in a tragic plane crash. Kalusha Bwalya, Zambia's favourite football son, survived the tragedy because he was not travelling with the team at the time. Bwalya played for a number of clubs in Belgium, Holland and Mexico, but called time on his playing career a few years ago and attended a coaches training course organised by the Dutch FA. He is currently dedicating his time to campaigns to prevent and fight AIDS in Africa.

On 6 April 2002, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter opened the House of Football in Lusaka in the presence of Norman Chibamba, the Zambian Minister of Sport. The funds were supplied by Goal, the FIFA Financial Assistance Programme and the Government, the latter also donating the land needed to realise the project. This new building will prove invaluable for the administrative work of the Zambian FA as all activities will be coordinated and conducted from one central location. Just a few years ago, Zambia were one of the leading lights in Southern African football, but the elite players of a whole football generation were lost in that tragic accident. Since that dark day, the national association has been working hard to rebuild football, which is easier said than done. This new House of Football is sure to give a boost to the Zambian game. A long-term development plan is currently being drafted.