ZISD RESPONDS TO REPORTS ON LYDIA SHAMALIMA

16.02.2025 I Football DNA ⚽️

ZISD Football Club has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Lydia Shamalima, clarifying that she is fully paid up by the club. In a statement, the club emphasized its commitment to player welfare, stating that Shamalima had been accommodated at the ZISD clubhouse for the past five years, where she received her salary, winning bonuses, and all necessary support. The club further explained that her recent departure from the clubhouse was a decision made by her family for reasons best known to them.

ZISD expressed surprise over the videos circulating on social media, pointing out that Shamalima had featured in their midweek fixture against Nkwazi on Thursday. According to the club, no grievances had been raised through the proper channels, despite the existing structures for addressing player concerns.

ZISD REFUTES INACCURACIES IN REPORTS

The club also corrected several inaccuracies in the circulating reports. It stated that Shamalima was 19 years old, not 17, as had been widely claimed. Furthermore, she was identified as a member of the U20 national team, rather than the U17 team. ZISD also clarified that she was not the sole provider for her family, as her older sister also contributed to the household’s financial needs.

Despite these clarifications, the club acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, reiterating that it had always supported Shamalima and her family in times of need. It cited instances where assistance had been provided during illnesses and funerals, including the passing of her grandfather a few months ago.

TIMING RAISES QUESTIONS

ZISD questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting that they could be politically motivated. The club noted that its General Secretary, Elijah Jani Lungu, was set to contest the ZPL Chairmanship on 16th March 2025, implying that the controversy could be an attempt to discredit his candidacy.

ZISD HIGHLIGHTS ITS CONTRIBUTION TO WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

As a founding member of the Women’s Super League, ZISD reported that it had invested over K10 million in women’s football over the past five years, despite receiving only K100,000 in funding during that period. The club emphasized that it had played a crucial role in the development of Zambia’s top female footballers, naming players such as:

• Evarine Katongo – World Cup, WAFCON, Olympics, and Senior COSAFA Champion

• Lungowe Namasiku – 2nd Top Scorer (2023/24 Season), Senior COSAFA Champion

• Jackline Chomba – Senior COSAFA Champion

• Elizabeth Mwale – U20 COSAFA Champion

• Inonge Kaloustian – Most Influential Local Player (2024)

• Lydia Shamalima – U20 COSAFA Champion

• Masela Sekeseke – U17 COSAFA Champion

SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

The club also raised concerns about the broader neglect of women’s football in Zambia. It stated that despite generating over $5 million for the country, the women’s game remained underfunded and undervalued. ZISD warned that without proper investment, cases similar to Shamalima’s would become more frequent.

Additionally, the club criticized the exclusion of women’s teams from decision-making processes, arguing that they had been denied the right to vote in football governance. It asserted that true progress would only be achieved when women’s teams were granted equal representation in the sport.

CHALLENGES FACED BY YOUNG FEMALE FOOTBALLERS

ZISD also expressed concern over the pressure placed on young female footballers to become breadwinners for their families. It explained that this financial burden often forced players to focus on short-term monetary gains rather than long-term career development, ultimately limiting their earning potential in a profession with a relatively short lifespan.

The club reaffirmed its commitment to holistic player development, revealing that Shamalima had been offered multiple educational opportunities, which she had chosen not to pursue. It encouraged all players to prioritize education alongside their football careers, highlighting initiatives like ZISD College Prep, which provides players with opportunities to study in the USA. The club cited Chanda Maambo, a former ZISD player who became a student-athlete at Kenyon College in the USA, as an example of this initiative’s success.

ZISD STANDS WITH LYDIA SHAMALIMA

Despite the controversy, ZISD reiterated that Shamalima remained a valued member of Kwapu Kwapu Nation and was always welcome at the club. It assured that its commitment to player welfare remained unwavering and that it would continue to support her both on and off the field.

The club concluded its statement with a firm commitment to its values: For God, Country, and ZISD.