FAZ has a Special Place for Sir Zoom – Kamanga

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga Friday afternoon made his visit to Mufulira to lay wreaths on the gravesite of former coach Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu.

Kamanga’s visit at Chatulinga cemetery was part of activities building up to the 2024/25 Carling Black Label Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield between Red Arrows and Kabwe Warriors set for Levy Mwanawasa stadium on Saturday.

He was accompanied by his vice Justin Mumba, general secretary Reuben Kamanga and Zambian Premier League chairperson Kephas Katongo to the cemetery where they met Ndhlovu’s family, Frederick Kashimoto, Abraham Nkole and Mufulira Wanderers officials led by president George Katongo.

“Zoom is an institution when you talk about Zambian football. On Saturday we have the shield which is named in his honour but it is also important for us to continue to remember the contribution that he made to Zambian football as a footballer, as a coach and as an administrator. He was also involved in other sports such as golf and boxing,” Kamanga said.

“We are grateful and just want to encourage the family that FAZ has a special place for Sir Zoom and through this Charity Shield, we will continue to find a way to support the family and their requirements.”

Kamanga said FAZ will soon embark on unveiling tombstones on former legends in collaboration with family members of fallen heroes.

“We are aware that there are other graves which have remained unattended to, so once we start with the one for Sir Zoom, then we can see the next one. We also expect that (Mufulira) Wanderers should take the trouble to attend to some of those. Yes, we can, to those that have reached national recognition but Mufulira Wanderers have work cut-out for them to be in touch with the community and remember those who have contributed to the club,” Kamanga said.

Family representative Janet Banda thanked FAZ for respecting the legendry’s name.

“I have nothing much to say but to thank you for coming here, we are happy that you still remember our honourable. He was a father who took care of all of us. He was a very humble man and we thank you for everything you are doing to honour legends of the game,” Banda said.

Zoom, the Mufulira Wanderers legend, served as Zambia captain and coach was named Zambian Sportsman of the Year in 1964.

He died in 2001.