By Kalumiana Kalumiana
FAZ presidential candidate Francis Hafwiti has unveiled his manifesto outlining a strong emphasis on domestic football engagement.
The former Southern Province executive committee chairperson is one of three candidates on the ballot who will challenge incumbent Andrew Kamanga at the March 29 elective FAZ Annual General Meeting to be held at Fairmont Hotel in Livingstone.
Hafwiti said in his manifesto that he may be the least known of the quartet in the FAZ presidential polls but his track record and experience at Zambia Secondary Soccer Football Association, where he initially served as general secretary and later president between 1999 and 2002 is a testament of his firm roots in the game.
He also previously served as a club chairperson during varying tenures between 2004 and 2019 at Mapanza Hammers, Livingstone Pride and Come All.
Hafwiti also served on the FAZ medical subcommittee from 2021 to 2025 and before that was FAZ Southern Province football coordinator between 2019 and 2020.
“I will honour legends and reunite the football family and will recognise past heroes and integrate them into FAZ’s future,” Hafwiti said.
Hafwiti also outlined his plans for what he termed as emotional intelligence in leadership that would ensure inclusive decision-making where all stakeholders, from the executive committee to fans had a voice.
He added that he would end patronage in FAZ committees by appointing on merit qualified individuals to CAF, COSAFA, and FIFA positions.
“I will also Strengthen youth structures, introducing financial literacy for players and administrators, and implementing life insurance policies for active players,” he said.
In terms of public relations and transparency, Hafwiti said he would establish a dedicated public relations team to foster corporate sponsorship, government relations and public confidence in FAZ.
