28.04.2024 | Football in my DNA
On April 27, 1993, Zambia experienced its darkest day in football history with the tragic Gabon Air Crash. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of the entire Zambian national football team, leaving the nation and the footballing world in mourning.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) faced the daunting task of rebuilding the national team from scratch. They swiftly assembled a panel of coaches to select new talent and form a squad capable of carrying on the legacy of the fallen heroes.
One notable effort in the rebuilding process was the negotiation by FAZ President Winston Gumboh to release former Power Dynamos coach Fred Mwila from his contract with the Botswana FA. Offers of support poured in from around the world, including an offer from Copenhagen to sponsor intensive training in Denmark.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of Zambian football, the memory of those lost in the Gabon Air Crash will forever be honored and cherished. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of Zambian football, and they will never be forgotten.
This article, written by Ponga Liwewe for African Soccer Magazine in 1993, stands as a tribute to the enduring memory of those who tragically lost their lives in the Gabon Air Crash.
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