Olympian Esther Siamfuko Elected Interim Chairperson of NOCZ Athletes Commission

Olympian Esther Siamfuko Elected Interim Chairperson of NOCZ Athletes Commission

Olympian Esther Siamfuko has been elected as the interim Chairperson of the Athletes Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) after running unopposed during the Elective Annual General Meeting held at the OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre on 22 March 2025.

Following her election, a confident Siamfuko pledged to work with all athletes to address their concerns and welfare.

From left to right NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi, Athletes Commission Interim Chairperson Esther Siamfuko, NOCZ Governance Commission Member Brian Msidi, and IOC Believe in Sport Ambassador Nchimunya Mweetwa pose for a photo after the Athletes Commission AGM.

She emphasized that the mandate given to her would be utilized for the betterment of sport in Zambia.

She expressed a commitment to fostering collaboration with other athletes’ commissions globally to exchange ideas and best practices.

Announcing Siamfuko as the new Chairperson, NOCZ Member of the Governance Commission, Brian Msidi, underscored the significance of adhering to the eligibility criteria outlined in the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) constitution.

These criteria include:

a. The Commission has a minimum of five (5) members who are nationals of Zambia. They must be at least 16 years of age and have never received any sanction in relation of the World Anti-Doping Code.

b. The Commission is composed of a majority of athletes who, at the time of their election/nomination, are participating at a national level (at least) in a sport on the Olympic programme or have done so within the previous eight years.

c. At least three (3) members must have participated in at least one of the last three editions of the Olympic Games.

d. Both genders must be fairly represented within the Commission and there must be also an appropriate balance between sports that are represented.

e. The majority of the members of the Commission are elected by their peers.

f. The NOCZ may appoint additional members to ensure a fair balance in the Commission in terms of gender or sports represented and/or to meet the conditions listed under paragraph 3 (c) and (d) above, if necessary. However, appointed members must be a minority.

Msidi commended all participating athletes for their dedication and time, emphasizing the importance of mutual support to ensure the continued development of sports in Zambia.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi urged athletes to uphold and promote Olympic values, stressing that with the elections concluded, the newly elected Athletes Commission must now focus on their duties and actively support one another.

Election Results:

• Chairperson: Esther Siamfuko (Football) – Unopposed

• Male Commission Member (Non-Olympian):

ü Richard Mulenga (Handball) – 28 votes

ü Sipho N. Changwe (Basketball) – 2 votes

ü Andrew Sande (Judo) – 4 votes

• Female Commission Member (Non-Olympian):

ü Carol Moono – 29 votes

ü Rita Kabinda (Judo) – 3 votes

The positions of Vice Chairperson and Secretary are yet to be filled and will be contested by Olympians.

With the new leadership in place, the Athletes Commission is expected to play a crucial role in advocating for the interests of athletes and strengthening Zambia’s presence in the global Olympic movement.