24.04.2024 | Football in my DNA
In the wake of money laundering charges brought against Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials, President Andrew Kamanga has attributed the allegations to internal FAZ politics. Kamanga addressed the issue during an appearance on Prime TV's The Big Hour program, stating that the accusations stem from misinformation being circulated as part of a campaign strategy leading up to the forthcoming FAZ elections.
The Drug Enforcement Commission recently arrested Kamanga, along with FAZ General Secretary Rueben Kamanga and two others, Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame, on charges related to fraudulent activity amounting to K341,902, with an additional K99,980 worth of air tickets. The allegations revolve around funds purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso and Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Ivory Coast. However, investigations revealed that neither individual held official positions within FAZ.
Kamanga defended himself, expressing surprise at the charges, citing his eight-year tenure at FAZ without encountering such issues previously. He clarified that Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame had long been associated with FAZ, providing services during both local and international events. Kamanga emphasized that individuals working with clubs and assigned tasks are considered part of FAZ, even if they are not directly employed by the association.
Furthermore, Kamanga attributed the dissemination of misinformation to sabotage his candidacy in the upcoming FAZ elections, suggesting that the timing of the allegations was politically motivated. He asserted that the situation exemplified the early campaigning season, with rivals leveraging any available narrative to discredit opponents.
Kamanga's remarks shed light on the complex dynamics within FAZ, where internal politics intersect with legal matters, creating challenges for the organization's leadership. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in sports governance, particularly in navigating contentious issues amid electoral processes.
Credit: Kalemba
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