Mukoka Declines FAZ Strategic Plan Committee Role

29.01.2026 | Football DNA

Seasoned Zambian journalist Augustine Mukoka has formally distanced himself from a reported appointment to a Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) ad hoc committee tasked with developing the association’s strategic plan.

Mukoka stated that although his name appeared on a 44-member committee list, he had previously declined the role when initially approached. He explained that he clearly communicated his unavailability to serve in any FAZ structure at this time and emphasized that his position had not changed.

While acknowledging the confidence shown in him by the FAZ Executive Committee, Mukoka noted that his professional engagement with football administration was not motivated by appeasement. He said his work was driven by a commitment to transparency, justice, and accountability in the management of national affairs.

The journalist further revealed that on the same morning the committee list surfaced, he had submitted a press query to FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande, raising concerns about the handling of the strategic plan and other related matters. According to Mukoka, that query had not yet been addressed.

He expressed surprise at receiving congratulatory messages regarding an appointment for which he had received no formal communication from FAZ. In the absence of an official letter or email, Mukoka said he could only assume that his name had been included on the committee list inadvertently.

Mukoka added that should FAZ formally communicate the appointment through official channels, he would respond accordingly. Until then, he said he remained focused on awaiting a response to his press queries, including an earlier submission made earlier in the week, details of which he indicated would be disclosed in due course.

Despite declining the appointment, Mukoka thanked the FAZ Executive Committee, particularly the FAZ President, for considering him, and wished the committee success in its work. He concluded by citing a quote attributed to Winston Churchill, warning against appeasement in matters of principle.