Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:32:24 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa
THE incident in which the FNB-branded bus carrying the triumphant Junior Chipolopolo from the airport hit an electricity pole is a wake-up call for FAZ to ensure there is always a back-up plan, says Livingstone FAZ official Keagan Chipango.
The thunderous welcome for the Under-20 team on Wednesday almost turned into a tragedy when the bus carrying them from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport careered off the road and hit into the pole due to a brake failure.
This forced the African champions to use a Mitsubishi Rosa minibus, with fans describing the turn of events as degrading after the team’s exploits at the South Korea Under-20 World Cup.
Chipango said the use of a Mitsubishi Rosa minibus after the branded bus developed a fault was an indication that the event was not well planned.
He said that the problem was that everyone wanted to be seen contributing to the success story, forgetting the nitty-gritties of arranging the welcome ceremony.
“We thank God that nothing happened to the team because FAZ could have been blamed. The problem is that everyone wanted to be seen doing something, and forgetting important issues like having back-up transport for the boys. FAZ should ensure that all logistics are in place next time,” he said.
He has however hailed FAZ for graduating the Under-20 to under-23 level as a way of keeping the squad solid.
He advised the players against being involved in social ills such as alcohol abuse and womanising as these two vices would endanger their careers.
“The team has players that can take us to the Olympics. But the players shouldn’t be overwhelmed by this achievement by becoming drunkards and womanisers. They should remain focused and train harder to score success at the next level,” he said.
Meanwhile, NAREP spokesperson Bwalya Nondo said the welcoming ceremony for the U-20 was embarrassing.
Nondo said he failed to understand how FAZ could not hire a proper back-up vehicle for the boys.
“The much acclaimed hero’s welcome was an embarrassment; the whole event was demeaning. How can the team be subjected to move in a minibus? FAZ should give us a detailed report of what happened,” he said.
