Zambia Athletics Responds to Muzala Samukonga’s Criticism, Announces Investigation

Zambia Athletics has responded to concerns raised by celebrated Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga over the state of athletics administration and athlete welfare, announcing that it will investigate the matter and issue a comprehensive report once the process is concluded. The federation issued the statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after Samukonga publicly criticised the leadership […]

Zambia Athletics has responded to concerns raised by celebrated Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga over the state of athletics administration and athlete welfare, announcing that it will investigate the matter and issue a comprehensive report once the process is concluded.

The federation issued the statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after Samukonga publicly criticised the leadership of Zambia Athletics and raised concerns over athletes allegedly being required to meet some expenses while representing the country.

Samukonga, one of Zambia’s most decorated active athletes, had called for “serious leadership” and people committed to the development of athletics, arguing that athletes should not be burdened with costs that he believes should be covered through the government and the athletics administration.

In its response, Zambia Athletics said it had taken note of the various media reports and social media posts circulating in connection with Samukonga’s remarks.

The federation said it would “thoroughly investigate” the matter in accordance with its established procedures and safeguarding policies.

Zambia Athletics General Secretary Teddy Shimishi said a comprehensive report would be issued after the investigation has been completed.

The federation also reminded athletes, officials, coaches and other members of the athletics family that there are established channels through which concerns and matters affecting athletes are expected to be raised.

Zambia Athletics said members are expected to respect these channels so that issues can be addressed “appropriately, professionally and responsibly.”

The federation further warned against actions or statements that could bring the name of Zambia Athletics into disrepute.

At the centre of the dispute is the question of who is responsible for meeting the costs associated with athletes representing Zambia at different competitions.

Zambia Athletics explained that Zambia participates in major international, continental and regional competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Region 5 Games.

According to the federation, many of these programmes receive government support through the Ministry of Sport, while some are facilitated through the National Sports Council of Zambia.

The federation said Zambia Athletics has been receiving support through these arrangements.

It also highlighted the role of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, which supports Zambia’s participation in major multi-sport events such as the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

Zambia Athletics said it has also been receiving support from the NOCZ.

However, the federation drew a distinction between national programmes falling directly under its responsibility and international or individual competitions where athletes participate in their professional capacity.
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According to Zambia Athletics, there are competitions where logistical arrangements, including travel and other requirements, may be handled with the assistance of athletes’ agents or representatives.

The federation added that World Athletics communicates with Zambia Athletics regarding such arrangements.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of Samukonga’s assertion that athletes should not be expected to pay for their own air tickets when travelling to represent the country.

The sprinter argued that representing Zambia is a national duty and should therefore come with appropriate institutional support.

Samukonga also questioned the effectiveness of the current leadership of Zambia Athletics under President Major Bernard Bwalya, claiming that there had been inadequate athlete welfare and no clear development plan for the sport.

The 400-metre specialist further contrasted the current administration with the previous leadership under Elias Mpondela, while acknowledging that the former administration also had shortcomings.

Zambia Athletics, however, defended its commitment to athlete welfare and development.

The federation said its leadership has continued working to move athletics forward, strengthen programmes and create opportunities for Zambian athletes to compete and develop at the highest level.

“Zambia Athletics creates platforms and our athletes should utilize them as spring boards to rise,” the statement said.

The federation also appealed for unity among athletes, officials, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders as efforts to develop athletics continue.

Samukonga remains one of Zambia’s biggest athletics stars. He won the men’s 400-metre gold medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and later became Zambia’s Olympic bronze medallist and national record holder, having run 43.73 seconds.

His standing in Zambian athletics means his criticism has attracted considerable public attention, particularly because it focuses on athlete welfare and the financial demands associated with representing the country.

The dispute now moves into the investigation stage, with Zambia Athletics saying it will provide a comprehensive statement once the process has been concluded.

Until then, the competing positions from Samukonga and the federation are likely to continue generating debate among athletes, sports administrators, fans and other stakeholders about how Zambia can provide stronger support for athletes while building a sustainable athletics programme.
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