FAZ Extends Support to U20 Star Lydia Shamalime

15.02.2025 I Football DNA ⚽️

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has stepped in to support Zambia Institute of Sustainable Development (ZISD) and Under-20 national team player Lydia Shamalime, following concerns about her welfare.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga personally visited the 17-year-old’s home in Chainda Township after journalist Idah Musakanya brought her situation to light. During the visit, Kamanga provided the family with essential groceries and financial assistance to help resolve their rental challenges.

“We have managed to visit the home of Lydia, who is a ZISD player and was part of the Under-20 squad at COSAFA last year. In the short term, we have assisted the family with some foodstuffs and some money to help with their rentals,” Kamanga stated.

He also emphasized the role of clubs in supporting young players, noting that national team engagements are limited to specific tournaments.

“As people may already know, these players primarily belong to clubs and only come to the national team when there are games. We would only encourage our clubs to take care of their players as their employers,” he said.

Kamanga further highlighted the FIFA regulations concerning the remuneration of minors, explaining that clubs must adhere to these international standards.

“There are rules around remuneration for minors by FIFA, which apply to players in junior setups,” he noted.

Looking ahead, FAZ intends to engage its membership and player representative bodies, such as the Footballers and Allied Workers Union, to explore long-term solutions for similar cases.

This initiative underscores FAZ’s commitment to player welfare and the broader effort to improve conditions for young footballers in Zambia.