Footballers and Allied Workers Unions of Zambia (FAWUZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukuba Pension Trust in Lusaka, May 3, 2019 for a compulsory soccer player’s pension fund.
Mukuba Pension Trust Chief Executive Officer Chimuka Haamukwanza said the signing of the MoU with FAWUZ was the beginning of a new era for the players’ social security.
“This is the beginning of a new era in terms of social security for the players. We are excited to partner with FAWUZ as this will enhance social security for the soccer players in the country. The more they contribute, the higher the benefits,” Mr. Haamukwanza said.
He added that the MoU will encourage other athletes such as those in boxing to secure themselves by contributing to their social security.
Meanwhile, FAWUZ General Secretary Limos Chalwe said the MoU is a game changer as far as Zambian football players’ welfare is concerned and a plus to his body which is already looking into the welfare of retired players.
Mr. Chalwe said the collaboration of the two entities will encourage the players to contribute towards this initiative as football is quite a short career.
He added that most Zambian footballers become destitutes after their playing careers because of lack of financial muscle.
“We want the footballers to be able to save enough for their sustainability even after their playing careers. The MoU is a huge milestone for the Zambian football because it will ensure players’ social security,” the General Secretary stated.
Mukuba and FAWUZ are to agree on the minimum percentage that each player will be expected to contribute without limiting the maximum so as to leave it open for them to put in any amount that is manageable to them and their clubs and that the benefits of the innovation will be according to their contribution.
And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Joseph Chimpampwe said this move is one of the ways in which the association intends to provide quality football across the country.