Zambia: The Football Association of Zambia launched their weekly Column, and in this week’s Column, they share details of the weekly football dose.
They said, “This week comes on the back of multiple football engagements that saw our two CAF envoys do battle at home in their respective competitions. I was in Ndola for the Power Dynamos CAF Champions League fixture against Simba that ended 2-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, while the Sunday Confederation Cup tie saw FC Muza edged out 2-1 by Diables Noirs of Congo.”
FAZ also shared that “they were hoping for home wins for their two envoys, but unfortunately, it did not happen. However, with one more leg for both clubs, they were optimistic they could still tip over the legs in their favour. Ironically, in the Power Dynamos fixture, our Chipolopolo midfielder Clatous Chama delivered the debilitating blow on Zambian hearts.”
“There is a bit of a window for our clubs to plan for the return legs that could see them enter the lucrative group stages. Credit should go to the fans who have turned up for both teams in their home matches.”
FAZ also mentioned that “they witnessed a few unsavoury scenes from fans, which we always guard against. Such incidents could draw the wrath of CAF, which could cost our envoys a lot of money. The last thing we need is to make our stadia be in the spotlight for spectator contraventions, given that we are working on being accorded the right to host international matches at home for the Chipolopolo. Our plea to fans is that they should be good ambassadors of the game all the time. We remain optimistic that our clubs will come out good in the return fixtures.”
Apart from the CAF competitions, FAZ finally launched the Zambian Premier League in the presence of all Super League teams. It has been a long journey that required boldness to implement. Considering how long it has taken, they said they were confident that the membership has fully signed up for this revolutionary step in their game.
The Football Association of Zambia remains the overall superintendent of the Zambian game but granted management and commercial rights to the ZPL. A chief executive officer is already in place with a skeleton secretariat to kickstart the process already in place. The birth of the ZPL will enable FAZ to manage the development leagues and national teams. There is no reason why this progressive idea cannot succeed.
Finally, the Copper Queens are in camp for back-to-back A-Class FIFA friendly matches against Morocco on September 22 and 26 in Rabat.
“We are conscious of the tragedy recently suffered by the people of Morocco and have left the decision to fulfil the fixture with them. The matches remain on course, and our team is already in camp in Lusaka. FAZ said that after the Olympics, WAFCON bronze-winning experience and the historic FIFA World Cup appearance, it may be time for the team to begin a new cycle.
It is also an opportunity for the team to regenerate itself. The regeneration could start with the friendly matches and Cosafa Cup tournament, which kicks off on October 4 in Johannesburg.