Metro Boys FC Finishes 7th in FAZ U-19 Tournament: A Testament to Resilience and Purpose

The recently concluded FAZ Zone 4 Under-19 Tournament marked another defining chapter in the journey of Metro Boys FC, a fast-rising youth football club in Matero, Lusaka. Despite numerous challenges, our team proudly secured 7th position, placing us firmly within the Top 10 teams in this competitive FAZ U-19 Tournament.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Competing against more than 20 teams from across Lusaka, Metro Boys FC displayed grit, talent, and unwavering discipline. With no major sponsorship and minimal resources, the club relied on heart and hard work to earn its spot. Though we celebrate our Top 10 finish, we strongly believe a Top 5 position was within reach had the tournament conditions been fairer.

Overcoming Violence and Unfair Competition

The tournament was not without controversy. In a few unfortunate instances, points that were rightfully earned on the pitch were not awarded to us, impacting our overall standing. Despite meeting the match requirements and securing results on the ground, errors in fixture updates and inconsistent decisions by match officials cost us valuable points.

Moreover, several teams fielded over-age players, giving them a physical and competitive edge over our properly registered Under-19 squad. This undermines the core objective of youth development tournaments and puts teams like ours, which are committed to fairness and professionalism, at a disadvantage.

Adding to the difficulty, our players were frequently subjected to unprovoked violence and intimidation, both on and off the field. Tackles that should have seen red cards were ignored, and verbal threats were often left unchecked. These issues not only compromised the integrity of the games but also risked the safety and morale of our young athletes.

Empowering Youth Through Football in Matero

At its core, Metro Boys FC is more than just a football team. We are a youth empowerment project committed to developing young football talent in Lusaka, especially in Matero. By engaging young boys in structured football training, we’re helping them stay away from drugs, crime, and other negative influences.

Our work has not gone unnoticed. Members of the community, parents, and guardians regularly commend the positive transformation in our players. Youth football in Zambia is more than just a game, it’s a lifeline, and Metro Boys FC is proud to be part of this mission.

Mulungoti Grounds: A Temporary Home, Not Without Challenges

Currently, our team trains on Mulungoti School Grounds, which are rocky, uneven, and not well-maintained. While the space has served its purpose temporarily, the poor terrain poses a safety risk and hinders consistent technical development. We do not have a formal agreement with the school, which makes access uncertain at times.

The Dream: A Permanent Home Ground for Metro Boys FC

Long term, our vision is clear: to secure our own piece of land and transform it into a permanent Home Ground for Metro Boys FC. A space we can control, where youth football in Matero can thrive. It would provide a safe and consistent training environment, boost player morale, and become a hub for nurturing grassroots football talent in Zambia.

This home ground would not just benefit our club, but also the wider Matero community, serving as a positive recreational and developmental space.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setbacks, our 7th-place finish in the FAZ U-19 Tournament is a proud moment for the club. It demonstrates that with the right mindset, even teams with limited resources can make a big impact. Metro Boys FC continues to inspire and guide the next generation of athletes, mentors, and leaders.

We are committed to our mission, using football to change lives and we invite supporters, partners, and well-wishers to be part of this journey as we work toward bigger goals in the seasons to come.