KCM COMMITS US$1.6 MILLION TO ZAMBIAN FOOTBALL AS MEN'S AND WOMEN'S ZFA CUPS ARE LAUNCHED
12.11.2026 | Football DNA
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has committed US$1.6 million towards supporting Zambian football this year following a partnership with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) that has seen the introduction of the KCM–ZFA Cup competitions for both men and women.
The competitions were officially launched on Thursday morning at KCM headquarters in Chingola, marking a significant step towards expanding competitive opportunities for clubs and strengthening grassroots football development across the country.
Speaking during the launch, FAZ President Keith Mweemba said the introduction of the tournaments formed part of his broader vision to develop Zambian football by creating more competitive platforms for clubs and addressing existing gaps in the domestic football calendar.
Mweemba explained that the initiative would introduce two separate competitions, the KCM–ZFA Men's Cup and the KCM–ZFA Women's Cup, demonstrating the association's commitment to inclusive football development and equal opportunities.
He particularly emphasised the importance of establishing a dedicated women's cup competition, noting that despite the progress recorded by the Copper Queens on the international stage, women's football had lacked a national knockout tournament.
The FAZ president acknowledged that the inaugural editions would operate within the limitations of the transitional football calendar but expressed optimism that both tournaments would eventually become permanent and prestigious fixtures on Zambia's domestic football calendar.
Mweemba further called on other corporate organisations to emulate KCM by investing in football development, stressing that additional partnerships would be essential to sustaining the growth of the game.
He described the launch as more than the introduction of two competitions, saying it represented an opportunity to establish a lasting legacy for Zambian football.
Meanwhile, KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Satish Kumar said the mining company was pleased to partner with FAZ in creating opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly those competing in lower divisions and community leagues.
Kumar disclosed that the inaugural 2026 edition would feature 32 teams competing in 31 matches across five rounds, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities.
He revealed that KCM had committed a total investment of US$1.6 million towards Zambian football this year, with the funding covering support for the Chipolopolo and Copper Queens alongside broader football development initiatives.
Kumar said the company's involvement in Zambian football was not new, recalling KCM's contribution towards the national team's preparations for the historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
He explained that the new competitions were intended to create further opportunities for young players to develop their skills, gain competitive exposure and potentially progress to higher levels of the game.
Kumar reaffirmed KCM's ambition to contribute towards strengthening Zambia's standing among Africa's leading football nations through sustained investment in football development.
The introduction of the KCM–ZFA Men's and Women's Cups is expected to provide additional competitive opportunities for domestic clubs while offering emerging footballers a platform to demonstrate their potential.
The partnership also represents a boost for women's football, with the establishment of a dedicated cup competition providing another avenue for female players and clubs to compete at national level.
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