Zambian football is grieving the loss of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC, who tragically died in a bus accident.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) expressed its “deep shock” at the incident, which took place on Saturday as the team was en route to a third-tier league match in the northwestern region of the country.
“We are in touch with the football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to furnish us with full details,” Faz president Andrew Kamanga said.
Twelve additional individuals were injured in the accident, with five of them evacuated to the capital, Lusaka, for medical treatment.
The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been disclosed.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed his hopes and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured individuals.
“I convey my personal and Caf’s deepest condolences,” Motsepe added in a statement.
“May God comfort and console the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and the Football Association of Zambia.
“May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”
Artur de Almeida e Silva, the president of the council of Southern Africa’s regional FAs, said the loss of young lives in such a manner was “truly heartbreaking”.
“Football is a sport that unites us, bringing joy and pride to communities across our region,” he said in a letter to his counterpart at Faz.
“In this tragic moment, we share in your grief and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends who are mourning this immense loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still receiving treatment for their injuries.”