Zambian football is in mourning following the death of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in a bus crash.

The country’s football association (Faz) said it was “deeply shocked” by the accident, which occurred on Saturday while the team was heading to a third-tier league match in the country’s northwest.

“We are in contact with football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the state to give us full details,” Phase chairman Andrew Kamanga said. he said.

Another 12 people were injured in the accident, and five of them were evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment.

The names of the dead and injured were not disclosed.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) President Patrice Motsepe said he and his board “hope and pray” that the injured will fully recover soon.

“I extend my personal and Caf’s deepest condolences,” Motsepe said in a statement. he added.

“May God grant his condolences and patience to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and the Football Association of Zambia.

“May the souls of the departed players rest in eternal peace.”

Artur de Almeida e Silva, president of South Africa’s regional FAs council, said this loss of young people was “truly heartbreaking”.

“Football is a sport that unites us and brings joy and pride to the communities in our region,” he said in a letter to his colleague at Faz.

“At this tragic moment, we share your grief and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who mourn this great loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those still receiving treatment for their injuries.”

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