No fewer than seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in Zambia lost their lives in a bus accident.
The incident occurred on Saturday while the team was en route to a match in Zambia’s third-tier league in the northwest part of the country.
The crash also left 12 others injured, five of whom have been evacuated to the capital, Lusaka, for further medical care due to the severity of their injuries.
The Football Association of Zambia has expressed its “deep shock” and sorrow over the loss.
FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, stated, “We are in touch with the football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to furnish us with full details.”
This sentiment of loss and commitment to support the affected community reflects the deep ties that football holds in Zambian society.
Meanwhile, Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, extended his personal condolences and those of CAF, saying, “I convey my personal and Caf’s deepest condolences. May God comfort and console the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and the Football Association of Zambia. May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”
Adding to the tributes, Artur de Almeida e Silva, head of the council of Southern Africa’s regional football associations, expressed the widespread sorrow felt across the continent.
“The loss of young lives in such a manner is truly heartbreaking,” he stated in a letter to FAZ. “Football is a sport that unites us, bringing joy and pride to communities across our region. In this tragic moment, we share in your grief and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends who are mourning this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still receiving treatment for their injuries.”
The identities of the deceased and injured players have not yet been disclosed, out of respect for the families during this challenging time.
