Rix Mweemba mourned

MATHEWS NDANDULA writes @SunZambianTHE football world is in mourning following the sudden death of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice president Rix Mweemba and former international player Hillary Makasa.Minister of Sports Emmanuel Mulenga has conveyed a message of condolences on behalf of President Edgar Lungu, who is also the Patron of the Football Association of Zambia.“We join the football fraternity and the rest of the country in mourning … As Government, we do recognise the late Mr Rix Mweemba’s contribution to the football fraternity – not only locally but also on the continental and international scene as he was a FIFA, CAF and COSAFA instructor before his death and therefore his untimely death is a great loss not only locally but also internationally because of his vast experience,: Mulenga said.In a statement, FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said the death of Mweemba was a major blow to Zambian football.“The Football Association of Zambia is mourning the loss of a dedicated and a respected servant of Zambian football,” he said.“Mr Mweemba struck us as an admirable family man. His great work ethics and selflessness cannot be doubted. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the football fraternity in Zambia.”The Council for Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) also paid tribute to the FAZ vice president.“Mr Mweemba was a great supporter of COSAFA and our initiatives across the region, and was himself a FIFA Instructor who believed whole-heartedly in empowering others,” COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes said.“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr Mweemba’s family and everybody at FAZ, but know that his legacy will live on.”And the president of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia Alfred Foloko in his tribute said Mweemba’s death was a loss to the sports fraternity.“I can only imagine what everyone is going through; having lost a leader in an association must be hard for FAZ and Mr. Mweemba’s family,” Foloko said.“Mr. Mweemba was a great person with remarkable qualities and he will surely be remembered among acquaintances and friends. The sports fraternity in Zambia has lost a great sports leader!”Zesco United Football Club Chief Executive Officer Richard Mulenga has described the death of Mweemba as a big loss to both the domestic and international game.“On behalf of ZESCO United Football Club management, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Football Association of Zambia and most importantly, to Mr Mweemba’s family, friends and loved ones. It is my hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring some peace and solace in this time of sadness,” Mulenga said.“As a Club we are pained at the demise of these two fine sons of the soil who contributed immensely to Zambia’s football,” Zanaco General Manager, Marlon Kananda said.“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, FAZ and the entire footballing community. May God grant all of us strength even as we pray that the souls of these faithfully departed rest in eternal peace,” Kananda added.Hillary Makasa died on 5th October at the University Teaching Hospital, while Mweemba died on 6th October at Coptic Hospital.Mr Mweemba passed away yesterday morning, having been appointed to the post of FAZ Vice-President in April 2017, after previously serving as FAZ Treasurer.He was also instrumental in the relaunch of Zambian Premier League as chairperson of the League Restructuring Working Group.Mr Mweemba died at 04:00hrs yesterday at Coptic Hospital in Lusaka after a short illness. The Sun