Ethan McCullagh
Ethan is a 17 year old student currently studying in London, UK and a co-founder of OurPitch. His interests lie in history, classics and economics and he is a life-long supporter of Tottenham Hotspur.
He was first inspired to found OurPitch on the rough, uneven road to Chipata from the Mlawe Epicentre. During this visit, in listening to the voices of the community, it became apparent that the youth possessed a great love for football which they were unable to fulfil. So with this in mind, he began to develop a vision, alongside Chrispin, for what is now OurPitch in the hopes of using football to inspire academic inquiry, create opportunity and galvanise progress.
Chrispin Kamuna
Chrispin most recently was Provincial Chairman of the Football Association of Zambia, Eastern Province and co-founder of OurPitch. An ardent football lover from a young age, he has supported local football development throughout his life.
Chrispin has worked as a Provincial Planner for the central Government as well as serving as the lead for the Zambia Social Investment Fund (ZAMSIF) World Bank project in the Eastern Province. Alongside his professional career, he has maintained his involvement in football by previously serving as Club Manager for the Solwezi stars and Club President for the Chipata Young Stars. Chrispin now serves as Chairman of Infrastructure Development for FAZ and a member of the Competitions Committee for the Council of Southern Africa Football Association.
Chishimba Cosmas
Chishimba Cosmas, fondly known as Coach ChiCo, is an active practicing qualified coach and a professional teacher. His passion for the game has led him to form his own Club that empowers youths with valuable football and life skills. He has been part of the training of over 2,000 grassroot coaches with OurPitch as a coach educator and course coordinator in 15 Districts.
ChiCo grew up with a ball at his feet and knows firsthand just how powerful sport can be in shaping lives. His football and educating skills and commitment to work have taken him to places he never thought possible with OurPitch. His value for education has seen him rise and obtain Continental Badge and dreams to advance and further his football expertise.
Evans Graph Phiri
Evans Graph Phiri is an education and community development professional from Zambia with extensive experience in school leadership, conservation advocacy, and youth development. He currently serves as a head teacher in the South Luangwa area and has over ten years of experience supporting conservation clubs and community-based initiatives.
Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Science with Development Studies, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Project Management. His professional interests focus on education management, community livelihoods, conservation partnerships, and sustainable rural development. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to addressing key community challenges such as girl child abuse, poaching, deforestation, limited access to education, and the need for effective. He is also passionate about youth empowerment through sports and leadership development.
Evans Graph Phiri is committed to promoting quality education, environmental conservation, and strong community partnerships that improve livelihoods and create lasting social impact in Zambia.
Emmanuel Mudenda
Emmanuel is the National Project Director for the Patter Foundation and District Lead for OurPitch.
Emmanuel’s 18 years working with esteemed NGOs such as world vision zambia, Concern Worldwide/child fund, Zambia Red Cross, Self Help Africa, and the World Food Programme, coupled with his prior tenure at The Hunger Project Zambia, demonstrate his deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. Emmanuel champions the use of sport as another vehicle for empowering children and youths in rural communities, bridging the opportunity gap with their urban counterparts and advocates for a diversified approach to sustainable development, moving beyond traditional education support to encompass vital skills among youths in rural as well as sports development.
Franklyn Mwanahachangu Malambo
Franklyn is a dynamic football technical leader and finance professional with a strong background in youth development, coaching education, and public finance management. He is a Committee Member for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) National Teams Playing Philosophy and a FAZ Coach Educator.
With over a decade of experience in football and administration, Franklyn is a passionate advocate for grassroots and youth football development, and has continuously worked to strengthen technical structures and player pathways in Zambian football.
Franklyn has previously served as Technical Director and Interim Head Coach at Mpulungu Harbour Football Club, Scout for Youth National Teams, and Provincial Technical Committee Member for FAZ Northern Province. His coaching journey also includes roles at A.M Welding Academy FC, Mkushi United FC, 12Zero4 Soccer Foundation, and Nampundwe Secondary School. Alongside his football career, he has worked in various financial and administrative positions under the Zambia Revenue Authority, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and FNB Zambia.
Lyson Zulu
Lyson is a former Zambian national team player and current technical director for the Football Association of Zambia.
Lyson grew up with a ball at his feet and knows firsthand just how powerful sport can be in shaping lives. His football skills took him around the world and opened up avenues he never thought possible, including coming to study in the UK. At university he learnt skills and knowledge that have been integral to his career which he has used in his role as Head of Football at the Olympic Youth Development Centre, where he also leads the Young Leaders program. Lyson is a shining example of how sport for development can be applied anywhere in the world and can truly change lives.