When you speak to Lucky Mlilo, it’s clear you’re in the presence of someone who sees beyond the walls of the squash court. Fresh from his re-election as President of the Squash Federation of Africa (SFA), Mlilo carries both the weight of experience and the excitement of unfinished business.

“The vote of confidence from my peers validates my leadership and gives me the legitimacy to push forward our plans. It’s a strong motivator to keep making a positive impact in the game of squash,” he said.

Mlilo’s journey into squash began in 2004 after hanging up his soccer boots. What started as curiosity, watching two players at Queens Sports Club, quickly turned into a passion. Within a year, he was winning league titles, and over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks of Zimbabwean and African squash administration.

Today, he’s not just a continental leader; he’s also a respected referee, coach, and member of the World Squash Federation Executive Board, amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Under Mlilo’s leadership, African squash has seen notable achievements such as, expanding SFA membership from 4 to 24 countries, with a goal of 30 by 2026, introducing structured training for referees and coaches across the continent, and pushing for squash’s return to the All Africa Games

Zimbabwe boasts a proud squash tradition, but many of its 160 courts need rehabilitation. Mlilo is tackling this with grassroots programmes like the ZimEdu Squash Trust, a ladies’ league to grow women’s participation, and the NM Squash Pros League to revive competitive play.

The inclusion of squash in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games is a turning point. Mlilo sees this as an opportunity to inspire Africa’s youth and boost investment in facilities and coaching.

For Mlilo, the growth of squash requires more than passion, it needs partnerships with governments, private sector players, and communities to expand access, improve infrastructure, and nurture young talent.

By the end of his current term in 2029, Mlilo hopes to be remembered for integrating squash into the African Games, growing membership, developing champions, and proudly leading Africa into its first Olympic squash competition.

His advice to any child who has never picked up a squash racquet?

“Try it. You might discover a new passion—and who knows? You could become a superstar one day.”