The headquarters for the Zambia Football Federation.
” Please help us stop the abuse of young girls. This sentence is taken from an email that was received by Sports News AfricaThis is part of an open letter that Augustine Mukoka, journalist, sent to Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia.
A first email was sent on June 12, 2013 by a person who claimed to be a victim in sexual abuse within the Zambian women’s team. This email was sent to the federation, national sports council of Zambia, and an NGO, NOWSPAR. It went unanswered. Mukoka took over the federation nine years later. He added elements to alert local and international football authorities (CAF, FIFA).
The same subject is covered in the following article : Gabon shaken by revelations about rape by a coach
Coach makes 15-year old player pregnant
The facts include the impregnation by a coach of a 15 year old player, who would still be working for the federation. They also describe an endemic system that includes harassment and abuse, similar to those seen in other sport federations.Malian basketball, Gabonese football…). ” As a child, I was a victim of the desire to be selected for my club and national team. “, writes the first person to have denounced these facts in Zambia. ” It hurts when you must do something because you don’t have an alternative. Those who were most trusted took advantage of this situation. »
Mukoka took this testimony and it is part of a series of abuses that the federation has ignored. Andrew Kamanga, FAZ President is a great example of incompetence and negligence. He has stated repeatedly that he is not aware of criticisms that are being made about our football. “says the journalist.
Alerts were ignored in the recent past
This official letter was circulated through social networks in Zambia. The federation reacted through its secretary general, Adrian Kashala. These allegations have not been made public. “, he said in an official press release. ” We take these allegations seriously and are opening an inquiry. We must cooperate with the police, and other relevant parties. »
Doubts are mounting about the FAZ’s claim to have written to police. Last year, Sports News Africa“First testimonies of sexual abuse in the female choice. We’re afraid we can’t speak up officially. “Blowed a player who explained the sexual blackmail exercised by one of the coaches employed by the federation.
“In Zambia, other journalists leaked the case by speaking with certain FAZ members. Without getting an answer or investigation, We won’t make any further comments until then. “Explains the secretary general, who preferred to talk about the sporting future of the Copper Queens, third in the last women’s CAN and who are now preparing for the qualifications for the 2023 World Cup. What price?
Source: sportnewsafrica
