• NEW BOSS: Andrew Kamanga is lifted shoulder-high by jubilant supporters after he was elected FAZ president. (Inset) Kamanga gives his inaugural speech as his vice Richard Kazala looks on. Pictures by NDINAWE SIMPELWE

By SAMUEL LUKHANDA –

 FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says his victory is a true testimony of destiny, self-belief and unity of purpose that exists among the councillors. Kamanga said the football fraternity demanded for change and the journey begins at the backdrop of changes and reforms at the world stage, adding that Zambia would not to be spared from these changes. He said this in his victory speech at Moba Hotel in Kitwe soon after he defeated incumbent Kalusha Bwalya for the FAZ top job in the early hours of Sunday morning in a tightly contested election. Kamanga defeated Kalusha by seven votes after polling 163 while Henschel Chitembeya polled a single vote. He said his team has been taunted, insulted and despised in so many ways but used the negative energy and converted it into positivity for the plight of the game. He extended an olive branch to the Kalusha camp for the sake of football development, saying there were no enemies in football but mere competitors. “This victory we are witnessing today is not about victors or the vanquished. Football and only football is the winner in this whole process. My administration will not practice retribution. “We shall not use this victory to turn our heroes, especially our icon Kalusha Bwalya into a villain. That we are promising you, but we are here to uphold and promote the FAZ constitution, FIFA regulations and most of all respect the law of the land, Zambia,” said Kamanga. Kamanga congratulated his opponents for the good run in the elections, adding that he was fully aware of the huge responsibilities that lie ahead. Kamanga, who takes office on the platform of his campaign theme, ‘Score’ which he will use as a blue print for his administration going forward, has invited all stakeholders in football to join hands and develop the game. On the Wednesday Africa Cup qualifier, Kamanga said tickets were already on sale and expects money raised to be accounted for to the last ngwee and intends to announce the gate takings as soon as information is received. He pledged transparency in handling gate takings and other financial dealings plus continued good relations with the Government. “After today’s business, we will be meeting with the players and technical staff to give them encouragement and assure them that all is well,” he said. Meanwhile, former committee member, Richard Kazala is the new vice-president after amassing 117 votes ahead of Pivoty Simwanza, who got 108. Simwanza had on the eve of the election claimed that he had gotten Kalusha’s endorsement as the ‘chosen one’ and started distributing business cards indicating that he was FAZ vice-president designate. Mofya Chisala came in a distant third with 58 votes ahead of Kephas Katongo who got 28 while, incumbent Boniface Mwamelo tumbled with eight votes. Rix Mweemba was unopposed for the position of treasurer after Alex Munasha was disqualified. The committee member position had the largest pool of candidates and Blackwell Siwale blew them away with 173 followed by Brenda Kunda on 143, Elijah ‘Shenko’ Chileshe with 111, Lee Kawanu polled 106, Kabaso Kapambwe 99 and Joseph Mulenga on 92.