COSAFA has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Vice-President Rix Mweemba on Tuesday morning.

“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.”

Mr Mweemba was appointed to the post of FAZ Vice-President in April 2017, having previously served as Treasurer.

He was also instrumental in the relaunch of the successful Zambia Premier League as chairperson of the League Restructuring Working Group.

His passing has been keenly felt at home, with FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala leading the tributes.

“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.”

Mr Mweemba died at 4am on Tuesday at Coptic Hospital in Lusaka after a short illness.