From Kabwe to Waterford
Zambia’s Sables Shamrocks GAA bridge cultures through Gaelic football
The team won the International Men’s Football Division 3 Championship, having played as the only squad representing the entire African continent at the tournament. They went undefeated across their international fixtures, beating teams from Germany, Italy, France, and Paraguay, before lifting the championship trophy.
Defying the odds: Six months to greatness
What makes the Sables Shamrocks’ win truly historic is how fast their journey happened. The players were introduced to the game only recently. They had just six months to train and learn the unfamiliar, complex rules of Ireland’s national sport.
Coach Pádraig Fanning pointed to the team’s early stage and quick adjustment, saying: “The team arrived on international soil with almost no competitive match experience, playing only two trial games in Ireland just days before the official tournament commenced.”
He added that the squad had worked hard back home, training intensely three times a week in Kabwe to build the basics. By the time they arrived in Ireland, they had already built enough confidence to compete, despite limited match practice.
Their performance also drew praise for the players’ raw ability. As Coach Fanning put it: “Their victory shines a bright light on the exceptional, natural athleticism and raw technical skill of young Zambian athletes on the world stage.”
“Becoming a part of the Sables Shamrocks has been life-changing, providing a vital sense of purpose, structured discipline, and a positive environment that keeps them away from harmful social vices.”
Rooted in community and partnership
On the pitch, the team’s success reflects a wider story of community support and shared opportunity. The Sables Shamrocks were founded through the Sables Nua School in Kabwe, with strong backing from the Irish civil society organisation, Zamda Ireland. In a region facing serious social and economic challenges, the introduction of Gaelic football has helped many young people stay focused, build discipline, and connect positively with others.
The team also received support from Irish diplomatic circles during their campaign. Visits and messages of encouragement from Zambia’s High Commissioner to Ireland, Macenje Mazoka, boosted morale, while the Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka tracked their progress with pride.
From grassroots scouting to a bigger purpose
The team’s story began with careful, local effort. Goalkeeper Brian Tembo helped scout and identify players when the squad was first taking shape in Kabwe. The roster includes many talented young people who are navigating unemployment and other difficult realities.
For Tembo, the key is potential, especially when young people get the right environment to grow. “These young men possess immense, untapped potential that simply needs the right environment to flourish.” he said.
He also described how the experience has changed lives, noting: “Becoming a part of the Sables Shamrocks has been life-changing, providing a vital sense of purpose, structured discipline, and a positive environment that keeps them away from harmful social vices.”
A warm reception in Ireland
Reflecting on the team's time off the pitch, Tembo highlighted the warmth of their reception. "The people in Dublin and Waterford were incredibly friendly and made us feel like family. They welcomed us with open arms and were so inclusive of our culture. We loved socialising and sightseeing around the beaches in Donabate and Tramore. The food was also great, and we really enjoyed trying the Irish cuisine, pizza, and chocolate. Everyone we met was kind and energetic, making our social outings and meals very memorable."
Looking ahead, he emphasises the practical needs of the club. "Getting proper kits, training gear, and travel support is what we need next to keep improving. Continued support and structured talent grooming are essential to unlocking this untapped potential and opening broader life, social, and employment opportunities for players."
Strategic focus on what comes next
After a tournament like this, attention naturally turns to what happens next, and how the club protects the momentum and keeps building.
Coach Pádraig Fanning stressed that the team should not rush decisions. “Following this historic run, there is a vital need to pause and plan, before taking any definitive steps regarding the future,” he said.
He explained that ambition alone would not be enough. “While long-term ambitions remain exceptionally high, any future steps to expand the club or build upon this success will require a vast number of resources and logistical support to survive structurally.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, team captain Boniface Banda and Brian Tembo made a clear request for support. Banda pointed out that even the early help they received mattered, saying: “The foundational logistical support they did receive was critical, noting that it directly helped in the team's preparedness and laid the groundwork for their ultimate victory.”
Looking forward, both players emphasised mentorship and long-term development rather than short-term wins. Banda added: “Looking toward the future, consistent technical guidance is what will sharpen the team's capabilities over the long term.”
Tembo reinforced the same message, saying: “Continued support and structured talent grooming are essential to unlocking this untapped potential, and opening broader life and employment opportunities for the players.”
He also highlighted the pathway this can create, stating: “With the necessary skills development, mentorship, and guidance, these young men possess the calibre to eventually earn positions on major international teams.”
He further explained what practical support would look like on the ground: “Expanding our current baseline with reliable kits, specialised training equipment, and sustainable local travel infrastructure will be vital to nurturing future Zambian athletic talent and keeping the squad on a global championship path.”
By learning Ireland’s traditional sport and proudly carrying the Zambian flag abroad, the Sables Shamrocks have written a new chapter in cultural friendship between Ireland and Zambia, built through discipline, community spirit, and belief in what young people can achieve when they are supported.