By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
FORMER Chipolopolo coach Honor Janza says the Football Association Zambia (FAZ) should not be under-pressure to restart the league as taking chances with the coronavirus puts the players at risk.
Janza said the Zambian league could be closed on natural justice if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not adjust its calendar.
In an interview, the former Chipolopolo coach said it was best for FAZ to use the CAF calendar as a determining factor in deciding whether to close now or later.
He noted that closing the league with the nine games remaining would seem unfair but the coronavirus situation was beyond human control.
“In my view the league can be closed on natural justice since the situation is beyond human control as at now and also if CAF is not adjusting its calendar especially on the submissions of the participating teams in CAF.
“In this view it will not need the issues of whether FAZ is fair or not fair, no, it’s beyond being fair or not, it’s about natural justice at play.
“But if CAF is ready to adjust its calendar, it can also be okay to wait and close when all the games are played. This is after the coronavirus issues are under control and normal for games to be played,” he said.
Janza said there was no point to restart the league this month-end when number of infections keep going up.
“It’s either they close or wait and not take chances by putting players’ lives at risk. If one or two players die, they will not bring them back. Why risk the life of players when you can avoid. No need to experiment this virus on the players,” Janza said.
FAZ suspended all football matches under its umbrella due to the Coronavirus on March 20, immediately Zambia recorded its first two cases.
But Vice-president Rix Mweemba said the association was contemplating to restart the league
Zambia has recorded over 140 cases which include four deaths.
Don’t rush to restart – Janza
