FAZ KERFUFFLE SADDENS CHILEMENA

 By Fulman Mukobeko

 FOOTBALL Administrator Marsha Chilemena says the recent happenings at the Football Association of Zambia(FAZ) does not give a good reading in Zambian football.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga and his deputy Reuben Kamanga were recently arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) Jairous Siame and Madalitso Kamanga for money laundering offenses. 

They face several charges, including obtaining money by false pretence, obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretence, and conspiracy to defraud, all contrary to the Penal Code of Zambia.

DEC investigations revealed that the suspects collaborated to obtain K341,902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretences. This sum was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The funds were transferred into their personal accounts, with each receiving K170,951.00, and return tickets valued at K99,980.00 were also obtained.

However, it was discovered that neither Madalitso Kamanga nor Jairous Siame held official or executive positions within FAZ. The funds were disbursed to them under the guise of being FAZ officials, intended for their attendance with the advance party for AFCON.

When reached for a comment, Chilemena said the current happenings at the Football House paint a very bad image to the outside world.

He said he is surprised that Kamanga, who is one of the richest energy experts in the country, was implicated in the financial scandal.

“On the surface, it does not give good reading by the people because there could be indications of having a very rough time with the Confederation of African Football(CAF) especially if the story becomes true. I do not understand how because Mr Kamanga is a very rich young Zambian. He makes a lot of money. You know that he is a supplier of energy to all those mines in North-Western province. So, I was taken aback to hear that he was being accused of that story which I want to verify” he said.

Asked whether insinuations that happening at football house could just be a ploy to get rid of Kamanga, the former FAZ Executive Member responded in the affirmative.

“Yes, but even as you know, Damiano Mutale (Football Administrator) is one of those who were pushing that time when they wanted him(Kamanga) to be expelled. He was one of them who was pushing that he must not contest. You know you Journalists have allowed this story to go on when you know that FIFA says only members of FAZ are able to discuss these issues and further the story so that they can find a loose end to it,” he said.

Chilemena asked this writer to contact him later as he gets to the bottom of the story after having conversations with the FAZ Spokesperson.