As Zambia grapples with the alarming rise in numbers of youths turning to drugs and bad vices, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of football. In a bid to provide a positive outlet for young people and steer them away from the dangers of substance abuse, the Dr. Rozious Siatwambo Foundation, in collaboration with Kapwepwe Ward 29 Councilor Saulos Salubusa aka ‘The Komboni Ambassador’, organized the inaugural Anti-Junkie Football Tournament. The event, held at Twalumba Resort, brought together young footballers from various communities, providing a platform for them to showcase their talent and promote a positive and healthy lifestyle.
Seventeen-year-old Charles Kampamba, popularly known as Chao Mbape, from Lilanda West compound and a key member of the Lilanda Boys (NBA), was crowned Player of the Anti-Junkie Football Tournament. Chao’s outstanding performance earned him a K500 cash prize and a full scholarship from Great North Road Academy (GNRA), which will enable him to join the academy’s main campus in January. In addition to this individual accolade, Chao was also handpicked by Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Technical Director Lyson Zulu to join trials for the Zambia National Soccer Team’s Under-17 squad, further solidifying his journey toward a promising football career.
The tournament aimed to promote football as a tool for social change and encourage youths to shun drug abuse and other vices. In a thrilling finale, Lilanda Boys emerged victorious, defeating Chimutengo Boys of Chunga in a tense penalty shootout. Councilor Saulos, who was overcome with tears of joy, described the moment as “truly emotional,” saying, “What made this moment truly emotional was seeing a boy I personally escorted to the police for substance abuse turn his life around and scoring the goal of the tournament apart from confidently netting one of the decisive penalties.”
Lilanda Boys walked away from Twalumba Resort as proud champions, claiming the Anti-Junkie Trophy and K5,000 in cash, courtesy of Dr. Rozious Siatwambo, while Chimutengo Boys received K2,500 as runners-up.
The event was graced by Zambian football legend James Chamanga, who delivered a powerful message of hope and transformation. Chamanga, who rose from being part of the infamous 14 Boys gang in Bauleni Compound to becoming a national team player, emphasized that those labeled as “junkies” today have the potential to become professional footballers. He urged the players to shed the “junkie” label, calling it a negative identity that can be replaced with purpose and success. Chamanga pledged to become a mentor under the Anti-Junkie Football Programme, expressing confidence that football can change lives and uplift families.
The event was attended by FAZ Technical Director Lyson Zulu and Registrar Ivy Lengwe, who commended the Dr. Rozious Siatwambo Foundation and Councilor Saulos for spear-heading the initiative. The Anti-Junkie Football Programme aims to provide a platform for youths to showcase their talent, while promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle. With the success of the inaugural tournament, the programme is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Zambia.