OUR PEOPLE

Chief Executive Officer

Meet Jake, our CEO at Play it Forward. With experience working as a logistician for Raleigh International in Tanzania, Coopération Internationale in Malawi, and project management for the World Food Programme in Nigeria, he’s a dynamic leader driving positive change. Possessing a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science and an MSc in NGO and Development Management, he’s also an experienced sports coach. Jake’s unwavering commitment to creating positive change, combined with his diverse expertise, makes him an invaluable asset to our mission of empowering communities in need.

Head of Programmes

Rabecca oversees all of our projects in Zambia, working with local communities and organisations to develop our programmes. She’s amassed 17 years of experience in the NGO sector working with children, adolescents, young people and families. Prior to Play it Forward, she spent 8 years working at fellow sport-for-development organisation, Grassroot Soccer.

Head of Finance & Operations

O’brian is in charge of all projects related finances and internal controls for the organisation. He oversees the preparation of financial reports, budgeting and grants application and communications with the external auditors. Prior to joining Play It Forward, O’brian worked as an accountant at Finta Farms Ltd, a dairy processing company in Livingstone for over five years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounts, Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business under the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Licentiate Diploma under the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).

Football Academy Manager

Choolwe is an experienced football coach and manager who holds a CAF B license, he currently oversees the Play it Forward football department and serves as Part-Time Academy Manager, while also working at the Judiciary at Livingstone High Court.  Prior to his football qualifications he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, and a Certificate in Project Planning and Management. Previous roles include Head Coach and Team Manager at East Land Football Academy. 

Project Coordinator & Girl’s Coach

Mercy coaches the Junior under-17 girls team at Play it Forward. She not only leads on the pitch, she also contributes as a project coordinator for a Sexual Reproductive Health Rights project and in media coverage of the games. Mercy holds a FAZ D license in coaching and brings valuable experience from her previous role as a project officer with Tackle Africa, where she facilitated SRHR programs through football.

Project Coordinator & Boy’s Coach

Webby joined Play It Forward (formerly Young Boys Football Club) in 2017 after a notable playing career with GMH Academy, Southern Reeds, and Livingstone Pirates. Transitioning to coaching, he became Under-17 Coach in 2018, backed by certifications including FAZ D License and Swindon Town FC Foundation Coaching Education. Committed to youth development, he’s mentored numerous players and coaches in Livingstone, embodying Play It Forward’s ethos of empowering the next generation of football talent.

Project Coordinator & Girl’s Coach

Selina joined Play it Forward in 2018 as a volunteer Coach for the girl’s team. Previously, she played for Randers FC before being signed by Eastland FC in 2015.  She currently holds a FAZ “D” licence, first aid qualification and has completed a qualification in mentorship which she obtained from the “football3” National Festival. She also serves as a peer educator, teaching young people in the community about sexual health and HIV.

Men’s Coach

Stafford Manda is a Coach at Play it Forward. Before joining us, he had a playing career that spanned -15 years. He started his playing career at Kabwe Warriors and moved on to play for Diarora Football Club in South Africa. After which he returned to Zambia and played for three other teams before leaving Muzanza Police to join Livingstone Youth FA. While at the academy, he put himself forward to attend courses like the; Tackle Africa Level 1 coaching course, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation coaching education, FAZ D License and finally Red Cross First Aid before becoming a coach of the under 12 and 14 boys. He is committed to supporting younger players to achieve their dreams and rise to greater heights in whatever they do. He has been able to mentor and also be a role model to so many of the players in the academy.

Mercy is a driver at Play it Forward, where she plays a key role in transport and logistics. Beyond her driving duties, she also supports literacy lessons for beneficiaries at Mulwani. She holds a PSV Class C1 driver’s license and brings valuable experience from her previous work in the tourism sector with Livingstone Lorries Travel and Tours, where she managed airport-to-hotel transfers and coordinated tour activities. Mercy’s additional qualifications include a certificate in Power Electrical and a certificate in Counselling.

Goalkeeper Coach

Bwalya Mutale is a dedicated Goalkeeper Coach, leading the goalkeeping department with a strong focus on developing technically skilled goalkeepers. He holds a FAZ D Licence, a UEFA Goalkeeping E Certificate, and a Windon Goalkeeping Certificate. In addition, he possesses First Aid skills, ensuring the well-being and safety of players during training and matches. 

Driver

Andrew is an experienced Transport and Logistics professional with a Diploma in Shipping and Logistics and a PSV Class license. He is currently serving as Head of Transport and Logistics at Play it Forward, overseeing fleet management, and operations. He previously worked at Sun International Hotel as Head of Transport and Operations, managing inter-hotel shuttles and airport transfers. Also gained valuable hospitality and tourism experience as a Tour Guide with Bushtracks Africa, a leading travel destination company. 

Fundraising & Partnerships Manager

Vincent Folléa is the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Play it Forward. Prior to joining the organisation, he was the Events Manager at the Centre for Policy Studies, a Westminster think tank. He holds a BA in International Relations and Development, an MA in International Relations, and an LLM in International Financial Law from the University of Sussex. He also received his MSC in International Business Management with Project Management from London South Bank University.

MEAL Officer

Pule oversees the monitoring and evaluation of our projects, ensuring we have the requisite data to understand and maximise our impact. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Demography and Economics from the University of Zambia. His expertise lies in data analysis, project management, and impact assessment.

Communications and Fundraising Officer

Blessing is the Communications and Media Officer at Play It Forward. She manages the organisation’s messaging, public image, and engagement through media campaigns. Blessing holds a Certificate in Social Media Strategy and Communication from Coursera and a Certificate in Soft Skills and Philosophy from Our Moon Education. She previously gained practical experience through volunteer work at Play It Forward before joining the team on a full-time basis.

Project Officer

Joseph leads a livelihood project at Play it Forward in a rural setup called Katubya, supporting a rural school and community with sustainable solutions like farming initiatives and traditional saving practices. He is a community development practitioner holding a Certificate in Community Development. Prior to joining Play it Forward, Joseph served as a Project Coordinator for the Kalomo District Women’s Association, focusing on women’s economic empowerment, and also as a Project Officer with Dapp under the Zambian Farming Project, strengthening savings groups and promoting financial inclusion. 

Project Officer

Florence is an educator and project leader with a strong background in health, mentorship, and youth development. Holds a Degree in Teaching, a Certificate in HIV Management Issues, and certifications in Peer Mentorship, and Evidence-Based Monitoring and Evaluation. Currently leads the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights(SRHR) Play and Prevent project at Play It Forward, using football in initiatives that empower young people. Previously served as a Peer Mentor with Grassroot Soccer for two years and as a Project Assistant for community-led monitoring, gaining extensive experience in youth engagement, health advocacy, and project coordination.

Digital Skills Project Officer

Bracious Mukuka is a Digital Skills Project Officer with a Bachelor’s Degree from the Catholic University. He is passionate about empowering young people through technology and in

novation, with expertise in web development, product design, and digital training. Bracious has led programs that bridge education, technology, and entrepreneurship, helping learners gain practical skills and turn knowledge into real opportunities.   

Chef

Kasenzi is a qualified cook with a Certificate in Food Production and experience as a chef at Protea Hotel Lusaka and Spar. He currently ensures timely meal preparation and delivery for beneficiaries. Prior to his nutrition qualifications, he holds a Diploma in Teaching (Physics) and also brings skills in football.

Project Officer

Caristo is a dedicated educator for the after-class education project with a Diploma in Secondary Education (Civic Education). Serves as a Team Manager for Play it Forward, fostering discipline, teamwork, and growth among players. Caristo is also involved as a Project Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Kick for Change, using sport and education to empower young people and address issues such as drug and substance abuse.

Mwiinga Moonze is a finance and accounting professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and currently pursuing the Chartered Accountant (CA) Advisory Professional qualification in Accountancy. 

In her current role at PFZ, Mwiinga has honed her skills in preparing requisitions, performing reconciliations, tracking budgets, facilitating payments, managing payroll, and ensuring compliance with statutory returns. Prior to her work at Play it Forward, she gained practical experience as a Finance Intern at Petauke Town Council, handling cash books, payment vouchers, and bank reconciliations.

Brighton’s journey at Play It Forward began on the pitch as a player for the Men’s team. Over time, he has grown into a key member of the organization, now overseeing office maintenance and ensuring a smooth, organized environment. His passion for football continues as he coaches the Under-14 boys, and he is currently advancing his expertise by working towards his FAZ E License in coaching.

Mwenya Kombe works in Administration at Play it Forward, where he plays a role in procurement, managing office supplies, and supporting the day-to-day administrative needs of the team. His work ensures that operations run smoothly and that staff have the resources they need.