ZPL and ZIS Launch Certificate in Football Administration and Club Management
The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has officially launched the ZPL Certificate in Football Administration and Club Management, a programme designed to professionalise football leadership and administration across the country.
Developed in partnership with the Zambian Institute of Sport (ZIS) and supported by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the qualification aims to align Zambian football structures with international standards and nurture a new generation of competent, ethical administrators.
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka, ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe described the initiative as a significant milestone in Zambia’s football journey.
“For too long, football success in Zambia has been measured mainly on the pitch. Today, we are saying that professionalism off the pitch is equally important,” he said.
Mr Chimpampwe revealed that the qualification will form part of the ZPL’s club licensing requirements.
“Every club administrator, manager, and fitness coach will now be required to hold a ZPL-certified qualification. We are also introducing continuous professional development courses, allowing those already in the game to keep learning, improving, and adapting to the modern demands of football.”
ZIS Director and Programme Lead, Professor Oscar Mwaanga, described the certificate as “the birth of a bold new era for football leadership, administration, and excellence in our nation.”
“This ZPL Certificate in Football Administration and Club Management is more than a qualification; it is a mandate for excellence,” he said.
The programme, recognised by TEVETA, will be nationally accredited, internationally benchmarked, and aligned with FIFA and CAF standards, ensuring graduates earn a qualification that is globally respected and locally relevant.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande commended ZPL and ZIS for prioritising education as the foundation for sustainable football transformation.
“This event represents more than the start of a new programme. It is a milestone in our journey to professionalise football management and administration in Zambia. Together, FAZ, ZPL, and ZIS have demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions work hand in hand toward a common vision to build a competent, transparent, and future-ready football system for Zambia.”
The launch also featured Shoprite Zambia’s renewed commitment to sports education, with a K200,000 scholarship package to support 50 participants in the inaugural class. Shoprite General Manager Charles Bota highlighted the company’s investment in youth development and community empowerment.
“We believe in empowering communities, nurturing talent, and investing in the future of our youth. While coaching trains the players, strong management and administration are what keep the entire system running effectively,” he said.
