By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA’s only CAF Confederations Cup envoys, Zanaco FC have remained mute over allegations that it has terminated the contracts of 11 players who includes the experienced captain Ziyo Tembo.
It is alleged that Zanaco released the 11 players on mutual separation before the end of their contracts citing their reasons on cost measures.
According to social media reports, the other players released apart from Ziyo Tembo are goalkeepers Mangani Banda, speedy winger Ernest Mbewe, Baba Basile, Marafa Neyizemana, Evans Katema, Emmanuel Sakala, Kingsley Haakwiya, Jonathan Daka and Joel Kadjob.
It is alleged that Zanaco FC management terminated the players’ contracts to save on costs by cutting on the size of the squad, technical bench and staff at the club secretariat.
However a source close to the club management could not confirm or deny the allegations but admitted some new developments taking place at Sunset Stadium.
“That statement is not from the club but I’m sure the club is going to issue a statement. Yes there are new developments at the club and a statement will be issued soon to address those allegations and the plans ahead,” said the source.
It will not be the first time Zanaco is involved in a major exodus of players after more than ten players left the club during the last transfer window.
Among those who left includes striker Rodger Kola, Emmanuel Okutu, Mwansa Nsofwa, Belchance Makiese and Tiberius Lombard.
Meanwhile, Zanaco will kick off their CAF Confederations Cup Group B campaign with an away fixture against CS Sfaxien on February 13 in Tunisia.
Zanaco FC have been placed in Group A regarded as the group of death consisting of North African giants.
According to the draws conducted on Tuesday in Cairo, the Bankers who progressed to the Group Stage after beating Binga FC of Mali 3-2 on aggregate will battle Pyramids FC of Egypt on February 20 at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka before flying to Libya for a date with Ahli Tripoli on February 27.
The Zambian envoys will then host Ahli Tripoli and Sfaxien on March 13 and March 20 respectively before wrapping up the group stage fixtures with an away game against Egyptian giants Pyramids on April 3.
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