Zambian football is mourning the seven Chavuma FC Town Hall players who died in a bus strike.
The country’s football association (Faz) expressed its “deep shock” at the crash, which occurred on Saturday when the team was traveling to a third division league match in the northwest of the country.
“We are in contact with the football, civil and police authorities of the province to provide us with all the details,” said Faz president Andrew Kamanga.
Twelve other people were injured in the clash and five of them were evacuated to the capital, Lusaka, for treatment.
The names of the dead and wounded are no longer excepted.
Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe said he and the governing body “hope and pray” that the injured recover quickly.
“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 Zambian Football Association.
“May the souls of the deceased players remain in eternal fun.”
Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of the council of the Southern African regional FAs, said the loss of young lives in such a way was “sad indeed”.
“Football is a game that unites us, bringing joy and pleasure to communities across our area,” he said in a letter to his Faz counterpart.
“At this tragic time, we share your pain and offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends who are mourning this immense loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those still receiving treatment for their injuries.”
