Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says the registered Zambian Premier League will establish its own secretariat and will operate as an independent company owned by the clubs in the Premier League.

Speaking in the Association’s column called The President’s Corner, Kamanga said the League will however not establish independent judicial bodies but will mainly concentrate on administrative and commercial affairs.

Kamanga explained that the League will also have FAZ representation on the Board of Directors with the Association owning 10 per cent of the shares of the limited company.

“The Zambian Premier League will establish its own secretariat and will operate as an independent company owned by the clubs in the Zambian Premier League,” said Kamanga.

“The League will however not establish independent judicial bodies and will concentrate on administrative and commercial affairs. The League will also have FAZ representation on the Board of Directors with FAZ owning 10 per cent of the shares of the limited company.”

He adds that all teams in the League will be subjected to full club licensing and will be independent corporate bodies that will be expected to be fully compliant with the legal and regulatory requirements of the laws of the Republic of Zambia.

Kamanga further revealed that with the de-linking of the league from FAZ, the Association will concentrate on managing the national teams and also development leagues.

“My executive has prioritized development from the base which will help sustain on grassroots football development drive. We will have more time to develop a more grounded structure that will enable us have more promising talents seen by our national team coaches.”

“With a little effort we have put in so far, we have been able to reap some instant results with our under-17, 20, 23 and women national teams. This is not in any way to suggest that we are looking for quick results as long term development requires patience and careful planning,” said Kamanga.

FAZ President Kamanga revealed that a limited company called Zambian Premier League has already been setup and rules for running the league have already been established which will come into force when the de-linking is completed.