THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that its Technical Director, Lyson Zulu has been appointed by FIFA as the Technical Development Scheme High Performance Specialist for Africa.

In a statement issued in Lusaka by FAZ Head of Media and Communications, Nkweto Tembwe, FAZ says Zulu’s appointment to the FIFA role reflects both his personal professional growth and the rising profile of Zambian football administration on the global stage.

In 2024, Mr Zulu was among 24 Technical Directors worldwide who were awarded the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma in Zurich after completing an 18-month academic programme.

And FAZ General Secretary, Machacha Shepande, described Zulu’s appointment as both a moment of pride and a significant loss for the association, noting that while FAZ would miss his expertise, his elevation to an international role was a major achievement.

“Congratulations, Mr Zulu. Your journey is an inspiration, and your impact will continue to be felt far beyond our borders. We can only wish you the best on your next step in your journey,” Shepande said.

He added that Zulu’s appointment was a strong endorsement of the quality of technical expertise being developed within FAZ and highlighted the association’s growing reputation as a source of high-level football professionals.

“This achievement represents not only a personal milestone for Mr Zulu but also a victory for FAZ, Zambian football, and African football at large,” Shepande said.

Shepande further noted that Zulu’s new role at FIFA presents an opportunity to influence high-performance football systems across Africa, contributing to the continent’s competitiveness, structure, and global relevance.