By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Football Association of Zambia has cautioned clubs to stop the use of juju fetishes and unwholesome rituals.
In a memo directed to clubs, Zambian Premier League Manager Brian Mulenga said the unsportsmanlike behaviour has the potential to bring the whole of Zambian football in disrepute.
Mulenga said the use of juju fetishes, unwholesome rituals, sprinkling of substances and liquids on the pitch can deter any potential sponsors and partners.
“We have once again observed unsportsmanlike behaviour that has the potential to bring the whole of Zambian football in disrepute and can deter any potential sponsors and partners.
“The use of juju fetishes, unwholesome rituals, sprinkling of substances and liquids on the pitch, driving into stadiums in reverse, jumping over fences, barring female officials from pitches and other such superstitious behaviour should cease forthwith,” Mulenga said.
He said the FAZ will closely monitor matches and ensure unsportsmanlike behaviour is curtailed and stamped out.
Mulenga said clubs, players and officials found involving themselves in juju practices will be sanctioned according to FAZ, CAF and FIFA Statutes.
“This activity and other similar activities are not only against the FAZ Constitution but are also subject to censure and sanction under the Disciplinary Code of FAZ and are clearly an infraction of the Laws of the Game as promulgated by FIFA and IFAB and are totally unethical and may be subject to sanctions under the FIFA Code of Ethics,” he said.
Mulenga urged victims of juju fetishes to be reporting such cases to Match Officials and the Match Commissioner before making an official complaint in writing.
Meanwhile FAZ has suspended Forest Rangers Football Club goalkeeping coach Charles Chileshe for unsporting conduct during a FAZ/MTN Super Division Week 13 fixture between Prison Leopards and Forest Rangers at President Stadium in Kabwe on Saturday.
In a letter dated January 18, 2021 addressed to the Forest Rangers General Secretary, FAZ deputy General Secretary Joseph Chimpampwe stated that Chileshe’s action of sprinkling an unknown substance in goal and urinating or simulation of urinating against one of the goalposts acted in a manner that is not consistent with the values and integrity of football as espoused by FIFA, CAF and FAZ. Chimpampwe reiterated that FAZ will not tolerate such unsporting behaviour and Chileshe’s case shall be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
