The Zambian football community has been thrown into mourning following a ghastly accident on Saturday that claimed the lives of seven footballers.
The bus crash which involved a third division club side, Chavuma Town Council FC, also left some players and officials injured.
Local media said 12 other persons were injured in the accident, and five of those have been evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment.
The Zambian Football Federation (FAZ) which expressed its “deep shock” at the accident in a statement on Tuesday, said the accident occurred while the squad was travelling to a league game in the north west 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 in the statement.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe who sent his condolences to the Zambian FA, said he and the governing body hope and pray that those injured will fully recover soon.
“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.”
Also commenting on the tragedy,
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. 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,” he said in a message to the FAZ President.