Chat Room

H&A: How does it feel to be the first female to hold the position of Communications Manager at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)?

MWAZI: “I feel much honored to be the first female person to hold the position of communications manager at the Football Association of Zambia. I think it proves that Zambia believes in equality and that the football administration does value professionalism. I have had a lot of experience in the media, and I am happy that my skills have been recognized and I can use them at the Football Association of Zambia.”

 H&A: How different will it be from the newsroom and other PR departments that you have worked for?

 MWAZI: “The beautiful part of joining the Football Association of Zambia at these times is that the focus is on football development. Internationally, Zambia is known for two things: copper and football. Africa looks to Zambia when we talk about football, and this is a time to make sure we have powerful stories coming out of Zambia. Working in a communications environment means that I will not only work with journalists but with FAZ staff, clubs and the public in making sure we are talking to each other and building the game of football.”

 H&A: Football today is generally associated with the political field in some circles. Do you agree with the notion and if you were confronted with a situation that brings out this aspect how you would handle it?

 MWAZI: “There is no doubt that football can be political. When we say politics,” we usually mean all the debate and activities around the game either at the club level or nationally. At the end of the day, football is in everyone’s DNA, and everybody has the right to know what is happening. We are only interested in winning, and as FAZ, we have to find the best way of making sure we achieve our objectives and ensure that we have the support of the people.”

 H&A: What do you hope to achieve in your position?

MWAZI: “Football administration is never a personal effort; there is a good team at Football House and many clubs at the national and grassroots levels all aspiring to participate in the beautiful game. I am glad to be a part of the development of a professional football administration.”

 H&A: There has been a challenge on the aspect of how women football has been publicized by your predecessors. What can the women’s game expect from you?

MWAZI: “Women’s football is coming up globally. Currently, there are only 3 provinces participating in professional football and there is support from FIFA and FAZ to see more women and girls in football. I was very fortunate to watch the kick-off of the 2019 Women’s League in February, and the fan support was good.

 I also received an award on behalf of Racheal Kundananji,, who was named Best in Sport at the Stanbic Anakazi Women in Banking 2019 Annual Awards, which clearly shows that football and women go together – it is no longer limited to netball. Rachel currently plays in Kazakhstan as a forward for BIIK Kazygurt and at such a young age she is able to turn a passion into a job.”

 H&A: Where do you feel Zambian football is in terms of media perception, and where do you want to take it or expect it to be?

 MWAZI: “Zambia is a giant in African football—we may not have won as many tournaments as is expected, but I do know that African TV audiences regularly tune in to watch the Zambian league, and we now have talented players making their mark across Europe and Asia. As you know, right now, there is a transitional league that has seen two streams in the Super Division. It has been a very busy time for the clubs, and the national teams have also been quite active. There is always debate on radio, TV, newspapers, and social media around football – sometimes these conversations turn ugly, but I am hopeful that we remain mindful of the fact that football is played on the pitch and there are rules that apply.

Perception is a two-way thing; sports desks are tasked to find scoops and sell news while

I hope the energy around football can be positive and that we can continue to support young talents and acknowledge all the football professionals that have served this Nation.”

 H&A: How would you like to be remembered when you leave the football house?

 MWAZI: “Memories are for those who make them. Every day at FAZ has been an education, and I am very happy to be part of the team. I look forward to a long and fruitful career at Football House.”