By MICHAEL MIYOBA
There is a risk of our two continental envoys playing their matches outside the country if the stadia earmarked to host their matches is not worked on, Football Association of Zambia FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has said.
Kamanga said there is need for teams to invest more in upgrading their infrastructure to meet club licensing criterion.
He said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already banned National Heroes Stadium from hosting international matches while Levy Mwanawasa Stadium will have to be worked on after hosting the June 17 Africa Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Ivory Coast.
“CAF has provided a checklist of what needs to be worked on to revamp the infrastructure with the turfs at the two stadia top of the list. Although, we do not own these facilities, we will engage the authorities to ensure that a national solution is found,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga has also urged the two CAF envoys Power Dynamos and MUZA FC to seek the expertise of Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and his team of experts who have been offered to help prepare for continental duty.
“We have extended the gesture to them of seeking the expertise of Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and his team of experts should they require it. Ultimately, this is something that can only be availed if required,” he said.
Kamanga said he is confident that both Power Dynamos who are flying the Zambian flag in the CAF Champions League and MUZA who will compete in the CAF Confederations Cup will represent the country diligently.
“While we grieve about the reduced slots in continental championships, we can however reclaim our slots through good performances of our envoys. We have no doubt that the two envoys will be up to the task of representing,” Kamanga said.
Meanwhile Kamanga said there are a lot of lessons picked from the 2022/23 season with clubs expected to do better in the next campaign.
Kamanga is hopeful that issues to deal with crowd control and other safety measures will be amplified in the next season.
