COSAFA sends out heartfelt condolences to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following the passing of the organisation’s former President Mr Tom Mtine.

Mr Mtine served as FAZ president on three occasions and headed the National Football League before it was abolished. He was also an honorary member of the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee.

A giant in local football and the business world, Mr Mtine was 97 when he passed away peacefully at home in Ndola.

“Football has lost a father figure in Mr. Mtine who served in various capacities over the years. He inspired many football administrators with his knack for excellence,” FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said.

“We can only celebrate his life by carrying on his legacy of administrative excellence. He was not just a football colossus but exerted his influence and talents into politics and business.”

Kamanga says over the years successive FAZ administrators had tapped into Mr. Mtine’s leadership.

“Mr. Mtine wore many hats in his life but in football he could be remembered the foremost among football administrators. It is not by accident that he was awarded by FIFA during the centenary celebration in 2004 for his contribution to the sport in Zambia.”