01 / The unity launch
We begin together.
31 October 2026
08:30–11:30 · Olimp Africa, Lusaka
A 62-minute continuous match celebrates our tribes through cooperation, rotating participants and mixed sides.
Explore the launchOur own victory · Inaugural Lusaka edition
Unity starts the game.
Communities carry it forward.
A celebration of Zambia’s tribes launches a youth football tournament across 48 different communities of Lusaka district.
Launch: Saturday, 31 October 202608:30–11:30Olimp Africa, Lusaka
The inaugural Lusaka tournament · 2026/27
One launch.
48 communities.
A shared journey.
Starting on 31 October, African Bola moves from community to community, bringing youths together through Chimbombwa football, healthy living and local pride.
02 / Community competition
The game travels.
After the launch
48 different communities of Lusaka district
Youths compete in scheduled community games. Winning participants progress towards the tournament finals.
Follow the tournament03 / The finals
The journey comes together.
Sunday, 7 March 2027
OYDIC
A closing football celebration brings the community competition to its finals at OYDIC.
See finals details48 communities describes the reach of the tournament. Communities may share venues and match days. Fixtures will be announced as they are confirmed.
Activity one / The unity launch
62 minutes.
Every identity welcome.
Within the three-hour launch event, one continuous 62-minute football match symbolises Zambia’s 62 years of independence.
Participants wear branded attire bearing the names of Zambia’s 73 tribes. The two sides bring different tribal identities together, with players rotating every few minutes while play continues.
A person may carry a tribal name different from their own. Each appearance becomes an expression of appreciation for another community’s language, culture, traditions and beauty.
The launch match is a shared celebration. Every goal, every rotation and every identity contributes to One Zambia, One Nation.
How the launch match works
Our tribes meet on the same side.
01
Mixed sides take the field
Each side includes participants carrying different tribal names. No tribe is assigned a fixed opposing team.
02
Participants rotate
Players change every few minutes so more people and more tribal identities can be represented during continuous play.
03
We celebrate together
Commentary, photographs, videos and positive stories celebrate the beauty of Zambia’s tribes and our shared nation.
Activity two / The youth tournament
Across Lusaka’s
48 different communities.
Following the cooperative launch, youths take part in competitive Chimbombwa games across Lusaka district.
Games will be scheduled progressively, including weekend opportunities as arrangements are confirmed. Winning participants from community rounds progress towards the finals.
Several communities may use the same venue or take part on the same day. The tournament brings together 48 communities through a flexible programme of games.
48
Different communities
Lusaka district · Inaugural phase
Fixtures to be announced
Community names, venues, dates and progression arrangements will appear here once confirmed.
Express community interestActivity three / The finals
The community journey
meets at OYDIC.
The inaugural tournament is planned to reach its finals on Sunday, 7 March 2027, bringing winning participants together for the closing competition.
Tournament finals7 March 2027OYDIC
Sunday · Final programme to be announced.
The 62-ball initiative
Each ball carries part of Zambia's story.
Young ball makers will independently make Chimbombwa balls largely from discarded plastic collected within their communities.
At least 62 balls will be received, symbolising Zambia's 62 years of independence in 2026. More than 62 entries will be welcomed.
Every child who presents a qualifying ball will be recognised with educational materials. Selected ball makers will receive additional recognition, including school bags and learning supplies.
Create
Children make their Chimbombwa balls independently before the event.
Present
Each child is registered, photographed with appropriate consent and celebrated with their creation.
Play
Selected balls become part of the launch’s football experience.
Carry the message
Balls may be presented to partners and national leaders, displayed, or auctioned to extend the message of unity and peace.
Stay connected
Participating children may continue into community mentorship opportunities.
The celebration begins before the whistle
Speak positively.
Celebrate visibly.
Culture in the conversation
Promotions and media conversations before the launch celebrate our tribes, languages, cultures, traditions and nation.
A story worth sharing
Photos and videos capture participants appreciating different tribal identities and enjoying football together.
A game with purpose
Community football carries messages of health, mentorship, environmental responsibility and positive living.
Join the journey
Play, volunteer,
create or support.
Register your interest in the unity launch or the community tournament.