‘Emulate Rix Mweemba’

SUN SPORTS writes@SunZambianPRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on sports administrators to emulate the legacy of Football Association of Zambia vice president Rix Mweemba, who will be buried in Mazabuka today.In a speech read by Minister of Sports Emmanuel Mulenga, the FAZ Patron described the late Mweemba as one of the greatest contributors to football development in Zambia.“As we say goodbye to our beloved Mr. Rix Mweemba, as Government through my ministry, we would like to urge other sports administrators in the country to do their best in their sports work to leave a legacy such as the one Mr. Rix Mweemba has left behind. “The government feels Mr Mweemba ran a good race by accomplishing many achievements which we will at all times remember,” he said.Mulenga said many soccer players were now show casing their soccer talents in the local and international leagues because of Mweemba’s work ethic.FAZ President Andrew Kamanga paid tribute to Mweemba’s blunt diplomacy.“Football being a turbulent sport, we walked through many storms with Mr Mweemba and he always came out strong. His service to football speaks for itself.”“Two words summarise his character: diligent and fearless,” Kamanga added.Kamanga said the FAZ Executive Committee was happy to have benefitted from Mweemba’s immense knowledge that he generously shared with the Association.“Mr Mweemba was instrumental in conducting Administrators’ courses in all the 10 provinces in 2019 espousing the importance of transparency, accountability and integrity in management of the game. When we were elected in FAZ in 2016, as Treasurer he was particularly passionate about financial management, and was always available to announce the gate takings from all FAZ matches, and the associated costs. This he enjoyed doing,” said Kamanga.In a letter, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent a message of condolences to the Zambian Football fraternity over the death of the FAZ vice president.“FIFA Instructor, former FAZ Treasurer, respected football figure in Zambia, his outstanding commitment and dedication will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed,” Infantino said.He added: “On behalf of FIFA and the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Football Association of Zambia, and most importantly, to Rix’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.”A funeral service was held yesterday at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross which was also attended by Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary Joe Kapembwa, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga, National Sports Council of Zambia Chairman Engineer Patrick Mutimushi, National Sports Council of Zambia Acting Secretary Raphael Mulenga, FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala, National soccer team head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASPOFA) patron and FAZ Life Member Pastor Peter Makembo, FAZ officials and other Football personalities.Mweemba died on Tuesday in Lusaka at Coptic Hospital after a short illness. The seasoned administrator will be laid to rest in Mazabuka today.“It was a privilege and honour to be divinely connected to you my husband. I will forever cherish the times we shared together, go well my friend, my sweetheart my husband father to our children, until we meet again,” said Mweemba’s widow, Edith.The late FAZ vice president is survived by a wife, six children and four grandchildren. The Sun