Zambia mourns seven footballers killed in a bus accident

Zambian football is in mourning after seven Chavuma Town Council FC players died in a bus accident.

The country’s Football Association (Faz) expressed its “deep shock” at the accident, which occurred on Saturday while the team was on its way to a third division match in the northwest of the country.

“We are in contact with the football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to provide us with all the details,” said Faz president Andrew Kamanga.

Twelve other people were injured in the accident, and five of them were evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment.

The names of the dead and injured have not been released.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe said he and the governing body “hope and pray” that the injured will make a full recovery soon.

“I extend my personal condolences and those of Caf,” Motsepe added in a statement.

“May God console and comfort the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and the Zambia Football Association.

“May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”

Artur de Almeida e Silva, the chairman of the Southern Africa Council of Regional FAs, said the loss of young lives in this way was “truly heartbreaking”.

“Football is a sport that unites us and brings joy and pride to communities in our region,” he said in a letter to his colleague at Faz.

“At this tragic moment, we share in your grief and extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends who are mourning this immense loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who continue to be treated for their injuries.”

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