Zambia mourns seven footballers who died in a bus accident

Zambian football is in mourning after seven Chavuma Town Council FC players died in a bus accident.

The country’s football association (Faz) expressed “deep shock” after the accident on Saturday as the team was traveling to a third league match in the north-west of the country.

“We are in contact with football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to provide us with detailed information,” Faz president Andrew Kamanga said.

Twelve other people were injured in the accident and five of them were evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment.

The names of the dead and injured were not disclosed.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe said he and the governing body “hope and pray” that those injured make a full recovery soon.

“I offer my deepest condolences and those of the entire Caf company,” Motsepe added in a statement.

“May God console and console the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and the Zambia Football Association.

“May the souls of the deceased players rest in eternal peace.”

Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of the South African Regional Trade Union Council, said the death of young people in such a way was “truly heartbreaking”.

“Football is a sport that unites us, bringing joy and pride to communities across the region,” he said in a letter to his Faz counterpart.

“At this tragic time, we share your sadness and express our sincere condolences to the families and friends who are mourning this terrible loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who continue to receive treatment for their injuries.”

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