History of Soccer in Zambian Towns

The History of Soccer in Zambian Towns project explores the political and social history of football in Zambia from the 1940s to the present. Drawing on archival and oral sources, the project focuses specifically on ten towns, each of which are connected by the main rail line inZambia.  The towns, including Chililabombwe, Chingola, Mufulira, Luanshya, Kitwe, Ndola, Kabwe, Lusaka, Mazabuka and Livingstone, all have a long history of football.

The project itself has two main components.  The first, a rich interactive map allows users to explore and interact with each of the towns. The second, a deep historical narrative for each town discussing local football history.  While the History of Soccer in Zambian Towns project is primarily scholarly in nature, it is also intended for local communities and community members. Each historical narrative is open to comment and contribution by boh community members and scholars.  The goal in this regard is to bring out the role football has played in people’s lives in each town starting from the historical development of football clubs, individual players, supporters, and football communities at large.

As primary sources on the history of football in Zambia are not easy to find, the interactive nature of the project provides an opportunity for those interested in the game to participate and collaboratively play a role in the reconstruction of the history of football in each of these Zambian towns. The current enthusiasm in the game provides fertile ground for a public scholarly project that can give people an opportunity to participate in the reconstruction of the history of football in their communities.