This position aims to provide a direct contact for athletes if they have any issues of abuse or any form of misconduct that they would like to report.

"We want to ensure that athletes and officials have somewhere to go (when aggrieved) without feeling they are being undermined," said NOCZ secretary Boniface Kambikambi, who stated he hoped the new position could create a good environment for sportsmen and women.

"To prevent any form of abuse and ensure that their concerns are addressed.

"We saw it fit to employ someone who can evaluate and create a safe environment for athletes.

"The safe sport officer will cut across all Commissions.

"We want to ensure that safe sport be part and parcel of our sport in future."

Veteran badminton player Ogar Siamupanglia welcomed the new appointment, calling it "a step in the right direction".

"We need to have someone who is looking at the interests of the athletes in terms of the attire, where they are playing from and the diet," said Siamupanglia.

She stated that there had been challenges for athletes and said it was "commendable" that this area had been engaged with.

Hachitapika has over eight years experience in areas such as good governance and safeguarding within the development sector.