By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
FORMER Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) executive member Henschel Chitembeya says no amount of manipulation will force the councillors to support proposals that are not in the interest of football.
Meanwhile, football administrator Alex Mambwe said adjourning the meeting to September was unnecessary because councillors have already spoken by rejecting the proposals.

. Chitembeya

Chitembeya was reacting to the move by councillors to throw out the controversial proposals by Nchanga Rangers and Afrisport during the FAZ annual general meeting (AGM) held at the Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe on Saturday.
The councillors rejected the amendments to the current FAZ constitution to restrict the association’s presidency to only former executive members and the introduction of exorbitant nomination fees.
“I am proud of the councillors for their bold decision to reject the proposals. For the first time, the councillors demonstrated maturity and were able to take an independent stance in the best interest of football. They showed a good spirit and I congratulate them for that,” Chitembeya said yesterday.
Nkhosi Warriors Football Club official Keith Mwewa said taking into account the unity of purpose exhibited by the delegates at the AGM at the weekend, it is not possible that they will change their stance should the two proposals come up during the September meeting.
Mwewa said under the current FAZ guidelines, an extraordinary meeting can only be called if there were pressing issues that cannot wait for the next AGM.
He advised FAZ to carryout wide consultations before contentious proposals can be tabled before the council meeting.
“The two proposals should not be re-discussed because nothing can change between now and September. FAZ should consider another meeting probably March next year,” Mwewa said.
Former Chunga Linda chairperson Gideon Kaumba said this year’s AGM is now history and that there is need focus on football development.
“I salute the councillors for their bold decision to reject the alien proposals, this is how things should be handled. People must not be influenced to support retrogressive proposals,” Kaumba said.
Mambwe said there was a possibility that some councillors can be manipulated to change their stance if the matter comes up in September.
“Councillors should say no to any manoeuvres to sway their stance. It’s not the end of the world for FAZ, they can still make amends in the remaining one year before the elective AGM next year,” Mambwe said.