ZA appoints Mushipi national athletics coach

The Zambia Athletics (ZA) has appointed Coach Sydney Ackim Mushipi as Interim National Head Coach, with *Coach Douglas Molo as Interim National Deputy Head Coach. Mushipi takes over the job from Douglas Chilembo, who has left the post. ZA General Secretary Teddy Shimishi said the…

The Zambia Athletics (ZA) has appointed Coach Sydney Ackim Mushipi as Interim National Head Coach, with *Coach Douglas Molo as Interim National Deputy Head Coach.

Mushipi takes over the job from Douglas Chilembo, who has left the post.

ZA General Secretary Teddy Shimishi said the decision was made at the association’s meeting held on 12th September 2026, as part of resolutions to strengthen the Federation’s national technical leadership and improve coordination within the national athletics programme.

Coach Mushipi brings a wealth of national, continental and international coaching experience, particularly in sprints and hurdles.

He has served in various capacities including National Head Sprints and Hurdles Coach, High Performance Coach, Zambia Athletics National Lecturer, CAA Lecturer, World Athletics Lecturer and Coach Developer.

He has also served as Head Coach at the Africa Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games, Youth Commonwealth Games and Africa Games, and as Chief Coach/Team Leader at the World Junior Championships in Eugene, USA, among other assignments.

Coach Mushipi holds advanced World Athletics qualifications, including Level 3, World Athletics Coaching Diploma and a Diploma in Sports Science and Coaching from Mainz University, Germany.

Coach Douglas Molo also brings a wealth of coaching and technical experience to the national technical team. The Federation says it is confident that the combined experience of the two coaches will benefit athletes, coaches and contribute to continued development of athletics in Zambia.

Under the new structure, Coach Mushipi will take responsibility for coordinating the national technical programme and putting the national technical team in place.

ZA clarified that coaches currently working with individual professional athletes will continue with existing arrangements, but in matters relating to the national team and the ZA national programme, all coaches will work under and report to the Interim National Head Coach.

The Federation expects all coaches and technical officials to give Coach Mushipi necessary support and cooperation.

ZA confirmed that all other existing appointments within the technical and coaching structures remain unchanged, adding that female coaches will be added to the national technical team at a later stage following further consultations.

ZA reaffirmed its commitment to athletes and called upon the athletics family to support the strengthened structure.

The Federation thanked the Government, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), partners and sponsors for continued support.